An armed robbery this month at a West End betting shop appeared to reflect knowledge of the establishment’s security procedures.

The revelation came as the Betting Licence Authority renewed licenses for Paradise Games, Sea Horses and Triple Crown Racing in Hamilton, as well as GameTime in Somerset and St George’s.

During the hearings, Juan Wolffe, authority chairman and Senior Magistrate, questioned betting shop representatives on their security procedures.

He told lawyer Michael Smith, representing GameTime: “Not to apportion any blame, but something we’re obligated to raise is the unfortunate robbery which took place at the Sandys parish premises on February 2.”

He asked if GameTime had put procedures in place to ensure “it does not happen again”.

Mr Smith said the robbery was under police investigation.

He added: “It happened at closing time.

“The perpetrators took advantage of the door opening at this time for staff to leave. That security glitch is being addressed – otherwise they would not have been able to enter without the staff member pressing the button to let them in.”

Mr Smith said the robbers gained entry just as the button was pressed.

He added: “It must have been somebody who knew exactly when that would happen.”

Sergeant Andrew Exell, representing the Bermuda Police Service, said the BPS had no particular concerns to highlight about any of the establishments.

Police reported that two men approached the GameTime outlet on Somerset Road just before 6pm on February 2.

A man entered the shop, brandished a firearm and demanded cash, while the other man waited outside.

The two suspects left the scene on foot. No one was injured in the incident.

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