Burglars raided a Hamilton electronics store – smashing in a glass door before escaping with a number of goods.

Todd Martin, general manager of P-Tech, said the thieves were in and out in a minute before making their getaway, but he could not disclose how much was taken from the store.

“We know the guys came up Queen Street to our corner,” he said. “When they took off, it was on a bike and they took off down Queen Street to Front Street – opposite the one-way – and then went west towards Pitts Bay [Road].”

Mr Martin said that while the burglary, on Wednesday, was caught on the store’s interior CCTV system, he was told that the public CCTV system – which had assisted with a previous break-in – was out of action.

“It’s very sad. Last time they were able to help us with the footage.”

Mr Martin said that in his experience, even the best outdoor CCTV cameras require regular cleaning and maintenance, particularly in Bermuda’s “corrosive” environment.

“Even those that are rated for outdoor use, you still have to maintain them,” he said. “You have to clean them. You have to make sure they are in good working order.”

A police spokesman said they received a report of a burglary at P-Tech at about 5am yesterday.

“Information is that two persons wearing dark clothing were seen outside the building and quickly left the area on a dark-coloured motorcycle, riding down the one-way on Queen Street,” he said.

“Upon arrival officers found the front-door glass to the store was shattered and a display case containing Apple products broken into and items removed.”

Anyone with information about this incident, or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area of Queen Street and Reid Street between 4.30am and 5am on Wednesday, is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Joanne Raposo on 717-2421 or jraposo@bps.bm.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, told the House of Assembly in February that half of the island’s 150 CCTV cameras were out of action, but a local company had been awarded a contract to install and maintain 265 new cameras.

Mr Weeks said: “The new CCTV system will provide 265 CCTV cameras at a higher resolution with more reliable connectivity. This will significantly expand coverage.

“After an open procurement process, a contract will shortly be awarded to a local company for the new island-wide CCTV system. Some 13 companies bid on the contract – 11 local and two overseas companies.

“The contract will include not only the new island-wide CCTV system but a managed maintenance service contract to ensure its performance and reliability. The new system will also provide for scalability to enable future upgrades and additional capability.”

Mr Weeks said that the new system, which will replace the existing network, will make it easier for police to identify suspects caught on camera.