6 Most Common Crimes in Bermuda
As an idyllic island and holiday destination, Bermuda isn’t necessarily associated with criminal activity. However, like any country, Bermuda experiences crime. Here are the most common crimes to look out for, and how you can protect yourself.
1. Burglary
In such a warm climate, open windows and doors provide easy entry to burglars. This is even more common in hotels, as tourists often have their guards down. Keeping unattended windows and doors locked is the best defence against burglary.
Read more about how to prevent burglary
2. Pickpocketing
Another property crime, pickpocketing happens most often in busy places. Pickpockets will take any item on display, so be careful what belongings you show in public.
Avoid using open-top bags and wear the strap across your body so that it can’t be snatched. If you are using your phone in public, it’s also recommended to use a strap around your wrist or neck to make it harder to steal.
3. Mugging
A more sinister version of pickpocketing is mugging. Unlike pickpocketing, it’s more likely to happen in quieter places.
Avoid quiet streets whenever possible, particularly at night. Travelling in a group can also deter muggers.
If you are ever threatened by a mugger, prioritise your safety over your belongings. Especially if they have a weapon, the best advice is to submit – it is preferable to replace your items than to risk serious harm.
4. Anti-social crime
Harassment, rowdy neighbours and littering are all types of anti-social behaviour. With such a lively nightlife, anti-social behaviour is common in Bermuda. While some kinds of anti-social behaviour may seem trivial, they contribute to the degradation of community spirit and safety.
It can be dangerous to approach perpetrators of anti-social behaviour. Instead, report them, to protect your own safety.
5. Theft of unattended belongings
If items are left unattended, it’s easy for thieves to take them.
This is another crime that often targets tourists. Whether it’s putting a bag down to take a photo or using rental scooters and then leaving their belongings on them, relaxed holidaymakers are prone to slip-ups.
However, if locals make any of these mistakes, they could fall victim to thieves, too. To avoid this, make sure you have somebody you trust watching your things at all times.
6. Gang activity
Violent crime is relatively low in Bermuda. However, the murder rate is high for such a small population. This is largely due to gang activity.
At least 9 gangs have been discovered by Bermudian police, and even children can be recruited. Almost all of Bermuda’s gun crime is due to this gang presence.
Never confront a gang. Reporting them will help the police to monitor gang activity and protect the community.
Report crime to keep our community safe
Crime statistics are only accurate if crime is reported. Use Crime Stoppers Bermuda’s reporting system to give information without revealing your identity. Any information that you give will be compiled into an anonymous report, with all identifying factors removed.
Use our online form or call 800-8477 to anonymously report crime and suspicious activity.
