Fresh warning on burglaries issued

Police yesterday issued a warning to residents to lock their doors and windows after a series of thefts were reported.

Officers insist there has not been a rise in the number of burglaries, that the advisory was issued to increase awareness.

Said a Police spokesperson: "The perennial problem of burglaries continues across the Island and the Bermuda Police Service is reminding all residents to lock their homes securely, including all doors and windows, when retiring for the night or when leaving their home unattended for any length of time.

"Some of the recent burglaries reported to Police were made possible when windows and/or doors were inadvertently left open or unlocked."

A Queen Street, St. George's residence was burgled Monday. The thief made off with a laptop.

The complainant told Police that his home was broken into sometime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., while it was unoccupied.

Inquiries into the incident are underway.

Officers are also advising residents not to leave electronic items out in the open, if possible, when no one is at home.

The spokesperson continued: "In addition, the Bermuda Police Service advises all residents to secure any electronic equipment they may have in their home such as laptops, video game systems, MP3 players, digital cameras etc., and to record the serial numbers for these items."

Police encourage residents to call 295-0011 to report sightings of suspicious activity or individuals in their neighbourhoods.

Rain may have prompted theft

A thief caught in a downpour was in such a hurry to snatch a raincoat from a mannequin he ended up stealing the dummy's arm as well.

On Tuesday afternoon, Police received a report of a theft from Island Trading on Reid Street, Pembroke.

The complainant told Police that around 4.20 p.m. someone on an auxiliary cycle stole a red rain jacket with navy blue stripes off a mannequin sitting outside the store.

The culprit also stole the mannequin's left arm before escaping on a stolen cycle, license number 707 AK. Inquiries into the incident are underway.

Men fined for speeding

Two men were fined for driving at more than twice the speed limit when they appeared in Magistrates' Court.

Shannon DeRoza, 24, of Southampton, was given seven demerit points and fined $500 for driving at 73 kph.

Couver Robinson, 42, of Devonshire, was also fined $500 and given seven demerit points for speeding at 74 kph.

He received an additional $100 fine and seven more demerit points for driving without a licence.