Does Tourism Increase Crime?

Last year, over 700,000 people visited Bermuda – more than ten times the island’s population! The summer months are the most popular with tourists, so around this time of year you might start to wonder what impact this has on crime. Read on to find out more.

Tourism and crime in Bermuda

Research suggests a correlation between tourism and crime. Tourists can be both victims and perpetrators of crime, so contribute to crime statistics from both sides.

With such high volumes of people unfamiliar with the local area, the majority of crime that takes place in Bermuda is opportunistic crime, and often targets tourists. Hotel rooms, beaches and bars are common places to find tourists, and therefore places where they are targeted.

Bike-related crime

Mopeds are another popular place for belongings to be swiped from. Many tourists use mopeds and scooters, as visitors are not allowed to drive in Bermuda. These tourists often don’t secure or cover their valuables, leaving them open to theft.

Locals should be aware that tourists may not be used to driving mopeds, and therefore drive unsafely. Tourists also like to push the speed limit, resulting in accidents. Be careful in areas popular with tourists, as the streets are often narrow and difficult to navigate.

Thieves can also use motorbikes to steal items and quickly escape. They don’t just target tourists – anyone with visible valuables is vulnerable. A particularly popular method is snatching phones or bags straight out of people’s hands, so make sure to keep these out of sight or attached to you.

Bike theft is one of the most prevalent crimes in Bermuda. Read more in our guide on Bermudian bike theft.

Anti-social behaviour

Bermuda has over 900 anti-social crimes annually, and some of this is due to tourism. Anti-social crime encompasses anything from harassment to vandalism, and is common during night hours. Partying tourists can get carried away, particularly when intoxicated, and behave antisocially towards each other and locals.

Especially around the time when bars close, try to avoid back streets. Stay aware of your surroundings, and keep to well-lit areas.

Gang violence

Not all Bermudian crime can be linked to tourism. One of the biggest threats to local people is gang activity. The police have found at least 9 gangs operating in Bermuda, and even children are recruited.

Gangs have a serious impact on our community. The majority of gun violence is due to gangs. Bermuda also has a relatively high murder rate for such a small population, and this is largely because of gang activity.

Reporting gang activity is key to keeping Bermuda safe. If you have any information, or think you’ve seen something suspicious, it’s important that you come forward.

Report crime anonymously

Concerned about crime when tourism is at its peak? Crime Stoppers Bermuda is a registered charity that helps people report crimes to the police without giving away their identity. Any information given via our online form or phone line is compiled into an anonymous report, which is given directly to the police.

Call 800-8477 or use our online form to report a crime.