The Bermuda Police Service has noticed what appears to be an uptick in violence incidents involving the use of bladed articles.
In the past twelve months, there have been thirteen such incidents. Three of which have resulted in death. Another stabbing incident just two weeks ago, could have had a similar outcome. The victim in that matter, a fourteen-year-old male who at the time was on his way to school, continues to recover from injuries sustained in what can only be described as a brutal attack.
Meanwhile, a thirty-five-year old male is currently warded in the intensive care unit at KEMH with what are considered to be potentially life threatening injuries after being stabbed during an incident which occurred on Glebe Road, Pembroke, shortly before midnight last night.
What we have observed, is that individuals are arming themselves with a knife or knives out of concern or fear of themselves potentially being set upon. However, carrying a knife increases the risk of you becoming involved in a dangerous situation rather than protecting you from one. The safest thing to do if threatened is to walk away.
The reality is that access to a knife or any other bladed article is ubiquitous, as these are readily available in the home. It is when these items are used for nefarious purposes that the issue arises.
As a reminder or, for those who were not aware, Under Section 315F of the Criminal Code Act 1907, Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, has in his possession in any public place any offensive weapon shall be guilty of a misdemeanour, and shall be liable—on summary conviction, to imprisonment for two years or to a fine of fifteen hundred dollars or both. If convicted on indictment, they are liable to imprisonment for four years or to a fine of five thousand dollars or both.
Under Section 315-F of the Criminal Code, police officers have the authority to stop and search any individual they suspect of carrying a bladed article. I cannot overstate our position that we will use all means available to us to bring an end to this and any other form of criminal activity as we seek to meet our mandate of making Bermuda safer.
We ask that members of the public who work with knives, gardening tools or other items that could be deemed a weapon, leave these items at work or,immediately take them home upon completion of work. It will not be an excuse at 3:00am to say that the machete we just caught you with was one you’re using to trim trees and that you just knocked off work. We have heard it all before and these claims are easy for us to investigate.
We urge parents to be aware of what their children are up to, where they are and with whom they hang out. If you can, be aware of what items your kids are leaving the house with and take note of anything that could be deemed a weapon.
If you feel threatened, do not arm yourself. Report your concern to someone in authority. Whether that person be a parent, caregiver or some other adult or, obviously the police. You may call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, speak with a police officer you’re familiar with. We are here to help.
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