Date: Friday July 2nd, 2010

$100,000 offered for information on shootings Crime Stoppers press statement

Crime Stoppers Bermuda with the support of the Concerned Business Community is offering a substantial reward of up to $100,000 that can be paid out to any individual who gives information on firearm offences that lead to an arrest and conviction or the seizure of firearms. ANOTHER SHOOTING INCIDENT IN SOMERSET… the victims this time were lucky. So far this year, six people have been MURDERED and 14 injured through gun violence… ARE YOU next! What does it take to make people TALK…?   The local charity Crime Stoppers Bermuda is the only organization in Bermuda to ‘give the community the opportunity to report any crime completely anonymously either by telephone or web-tips’. Crime Stoppers Bermuda are now finding the public are getting more comfortable using the confidential telephone number of 800-8477 (TIPS) or web-tips www.crimestoppers.bm, and even local establishments frequented by individuals in the areas of such violence, are now requesting from the Crime Stoppers programme posters to display and hand outs for their patrons,to help STOP this crime.  With the outcry of the community in Sandy’s Parish following the senseless murder of Frederick Maybury, and now gun fire directed at three men on Hog Bay Level, Sandy’s Parish, by two individuals on a motor bike, the Crime Stoppers Board are again requesting the assistance of the local media to help promote Crime Stoppers Bermuda with the attached flyer which has been distributed to all commercial establishments in the Western Parishes. Over the last few months people who ‘know what is going on’ have been coming forward in relation to reporting information on firearms offences.  Unfortunately, due to Crime Stoppers Bermuda code of confidentiality and safety of our callers, we cannot and will not report on our immediate successes, but the programme’s chairman John Drew said: “We are very pleased and encouraged with the response we are getting from the public in relation to incidents involving firearms. The public are coming forward now and we ask they continue to do so.  “We can pass their information to the appropriate authorities and with the help of the community, every small piece of information given comes together like a jigsaw puzzle and helps authorities put the missing pieces together.”

 

 

Date : Thursday April 8th, 2010

To remain silent puts us in more fear By Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch (The Royal Gazette)

Police have received little information on the Good Friday murder of Kimwandae Walker — despite there being approximately 50 witnesses to the daytime shooting.

Witnesses have been so tight-lipped, Superintendent Antoine Daniels said Police do not even know the colour or make of the bike two men used to drive onto the crowded field and gun down the 35-year-old.

Nor do Police have a description of the individuals.

"Were they light skinned, dark skinned, black, white? Supt. Daniels asked yesterday in an impassioned plea for witnesses to come forward. "What clothing were they wearing? To remain silent puts us in more fear. People witnessing these shootings in large groups expect everybody else to talk. They are deferring their responsibility when they need to be accountable. We currently have one person in custody, if we want him to stay in custody, if you want him to stay in custody, you have to say something. We cannot keep him in custody without evidence, without witnesses."

Mr. Walker was killed in front of his two children, and others flying kites at Victor Scott Primary field, shortly after 2 p.m. Two people were originally arrested in connection with the murder. One has already been released.

Supt. Daniels said officers have collected forensic evidence, including gun shells, but witnesses' testimonies were imperative to charge and eventually try individuals.

He told The Royal Gazette five people were arrested in connection with the April 4 shooting of Sean Williams at the Royal Artillery Association (RAA) club in St George's. One of the persons has been released.

Mr. Williams remains in stable condition on a general ward at King Edward Memorial Hospital. Royal Gazette readers urged witnesses to come forward yesterday on this newspaper's Facebook page.

Oba Swan wrote: "If no one speaks up then the thugs win. Clearly, this neighbourhood has seen its share of shootings and one would hope the residents would want to live peacefully. Call Crime Stoppers if you have to, take back your neighbourhood."

And Warden Marshall said it was "typical" that witnesses were not coming forward.

"Bermudians as a people like to moan and groan and complain, but when it comes to doing something about that which they moan about they all shut up," he wrote. "How a group of people can see something like this and keep quiet, speaks volumes as to where our Island is headed! It is more than sad it is pathetic!

Tiffany Douglas wrote: "We have to be part of the solution if the people won't help then they are part of the problem!"

And Omar James said witnesses should speak to Crime Stoppers at the very least.

"Even if you don't want to talk to police, you can call Crime Stoppers and remain totally anonymous, and even collect money if there is a conviction. Their call centre is in Florida. There is absolutely no reason to stay quiet unless you have some vested interest in all this nonsense, and maybe that's a big part of the problem here."

Crime Stoppers can be reached on their anonymous phone line 800-8477. A message can also be left at www.crimestoppers.bm.

 

Date : Friday March 26th, 2010

$100k reward for gun info (BDASUN)

A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the criminals behind the island's gun violence. Crime Stoppers Bermuda has reiterated its pledge to award the cash following last Friday's fatal shooting of James Lawes on Dundonald Street. So far this year 38 shootings have been recorded. Two men have been shot dead and seven injured. Crime Stoppers Bermuda urges anyone with information to call its confidential hotline, 800-8477. You can also give anonymous tips online at www.crimestoppers.bm John Drew, Crime Stoppers Bermuda chairman, said: "Your call will be treated in the strictest of confidence by our call-takers in Miami. The information you provide anonymously could help identify these criminals."

Date : Wednesday December 23rd, 2009

Make an anonymous tip on violent crimes your Christmas gift to the community, urges Crime Stoppers By Mikaela Ian Pearman (The Royal Gazette)

People are being urged to give Police a gift at Christmas a tip-off that will help solve the recent violent crime.

Speaking on the steps of City Hall yesterday, Crime Stoppers Bermuda chairman John Drew pleaded with people to "break the silence and stop the violence".

And he was backed up by Public Safety Minister David Burch who called on the people of Bermuda to speak up over the violence.

Yesterday Mr. Drew again reassured the public the service is completely anonymous and no one should worry about being dragged to court to give evidence.

"Crime Stoppers is appalled by the current level of violence now evident in Bermuda. Crime Stoppers Bermuda exists to channel these concerns into positive action. We understand that members of the public are fearful of giving information directly to the Police or authorities.

"This is the season when gifts are given. A gift is most appreciated when it's something people need. Clearly this is a gift the community needs. Give us the information about the guns or the people using them in the community.

"Who benefits from Crime Stoppers? You do. Celebrate this holiday by giving the gift of an anonymous tip, Bermuda. Let's break the silence and stop the violence."

Senator Burch also urged the public to come forward with tips. He said: "Many crimes go unsolved not because nobody saw the crime, but because nobody wants to provide the Police with information that will lead to an arrest and the charging of the individual.

"Your call remains anonymous. When you call Crime Stoppers, your call is routed to Miami. Unless your cousin works for the Miami-Dade Police you don't have to worry about your voice being recognised.

"Bermuda, I urge you to stop turning a blind eye to the wrong in our community. Two shootings in one day should make it crystal clear that we do have a problem. We all have a role to play. Speak up Bermuda."

Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling said: "Bermuda is facing unprecedented calculated violence and murder in the community. We are collectively horrified, alarmed and worried about the violence happening around us. Our concern and anxiety crosses racial, economic and social divides.

"I add my voice to those who call on members of our community to be brave, break the silence and to be the one who will make a difference by contacting Crime Stoppers and providing a meaningful tip on any crime that you have information about."

Meanwhile, Rev. Ruth VanLowe Smith, Director of Social Action for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, also urged the community to make peace.

"The African Methodist Episcopal Church laments the increasing incidence of gun violence that terrorises our neighbourhoods, injures our families and shreds our social fabric.

"In response to these alarming events, our eleven congregations agree to come together to prayerfully seek God's intervention on behalf of our country and to work with other community bodies in bringing about a peace that will go further than just bringing gunfire to an end."

Rev. VanLowe Smith also said the church was supporting the Governor and the Premier in getting more of a Police presence in the community.

"The church encourages the men of Bermuda to channel their energy into pursuing the highest quality of life for their families, their country and themselves.

"Violence deprives our community from the benefits of the presence, energy and courage of its men. Therefore we commit to do what we can to provoke and inflame the highest qualities in our fathers, sons, nephews and cousins as we seek to build a healthy and productive family environment."

Date : Wednesday December 9th, 2009

Crime Stoppers doubles tipoffs with website, now it is to add text messaging By Amanda Dale (The Royal Gazette)

Members of the public will be able to text confidential information about criminals to Crime Stoppers Bermuda from next year.

The charity is to roll out new technology which will enable people to leave anonymous tips by SMS text message.

Chairman John Drew said: "We're moving forward with the new technology and so we are hopeful that youngsters will also use it."

Crime Stoppers Deputy Chairman Raphael Simons said: "There's definitely a culture in Bermuda where young people are encouraged to 'don't snitch'. It's also the smallness of the community.

"Someone might think, 'I'm not going to tell on that person because it's my friend or my cousin, or my brother'."

The new confidential SMS service will help to broaden the means of communication by which Crime Stoppers is receiving information.

This year it added technology to its website www.crimestoppers.bm, whereby people can submit 'web tips'.

Police coordinator Alexander MacDonald said that already, more information is coming in to help in the fight against crime.

"Since we introduced the website tips in August, we've doubled our yearly tip count to 100," he said.

He explained that due to protecting the anonymity of people who are willing to give information, Crime Stoppers Bermuda is unable to give a breakdown of the various offences to which these apply.

But he said tips could range from concerned members of the community to rival drug dealers wanting to remove someone from their patch.

Although Crime Stoppers gives out monetary rewards for information, Sergeant MacDonald said: "The majority of Bermudians don't ask for rewards."

Crime Stoppers Bermuda is part of the international Crime Stoppers network, and comes under the Caribbean and Latin America region.

The new SMS software has already been launched in the UK and Canada, and will be introduced to the Island next year.

Bermuda also shares the same call centre in Miami as the Caribbean and South American affiliated countries.

Once an anonymous 800 8477 call is made, it gets routed to Miami. Callers are then given an identification number in case they would like to call back, but do not have to exchange any personal details.

The information is then passed to Police coordinator Sgt. MacDonald and 'sanitised' of all reference to Crime Stoppers.

It is then given to Customs officers or the Bermuda Police Service.

This means that when detectives receive solid tips, even the Crime Stoppers name is removed from the source they are only told it is "information received".

The confidential Crime Stoppers line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Telephone 800 8477 (TIPS) or log onto: www.crimestoppers.bm

Date : Thursday July 29th, 2009

Crime Stoppers gets new hotline number (BDASUN)
Crime Stoppers Bermuda has rebranded with a confidential new hotline number.

The move came in response to a recent increase in violent crime, and growing concern about crime in general among the community.

Yesterday Crime Stoppers officially launched their shorter seven-digit Hot Line number that people can call to report criminal activity.

The new number is 800 8477 (TIPS). It was originally 1 800 623 8477.

Making the announcement, Crime Stoppers chairman Joanne MacPhee said: "Over the last 18 months or so, the volunteer Board of Crime Stoppers Bermuda has become increasingly concerned about the steep rise in violent crime in Bermuda and the lack of public support for solving these offenses.

"While calls to our 24 hour totally anonymous hotline always peak after a murder, or other serious crime, overall the number of calls received at our Miami, based call centre are still down significantly."

Crime Stoppers has also introduced a confidential web messaging service. Bermuda residents can now safely send tips anonymously via the Internet and very soon the programme will launch a similar text messaging service, using the same application.

Web tips and eventually text messages, are routed to a 'message cloaking server' where the number is encrypted and applied an encrypted alias ID.

The tip is then sent securely via a further encrypted channel to a computer located in Bermuda. Tips are never stored on the cloaking server and the entire process takes less than four seconds.

The submit a tip online go to: www.crimestoppers.bm

The Board of Crime Stoppers Bermuda hopes that these changes will increase awareness of the programme and over time, build the vital community confidence in the service.

Date : Wednesday July 28th, 2009

Crime Stoppers: Public must get involved By Mikaela Ian Pearman (The Royal Gazette)

People must stop the 'it is not my business' mentality and step forward to help Police solve crimes.

That was the message from Crime Stoppers chairwoman Joanne MacPhee who spoke at a press conference to launch a new website and telephone number changed in response to an almost ten percent increase in violent crime on the Island.

She said: "In direct response to the violent crime soaring 9.3 percent and Bermudians rating crime as their biggest social concern ahead of education and housing, Crime Stoppers Bermuda has taken an aggressive, proactive approach to the issue.

"It is no longer acceptable for us to sit by and be held ransom by what amounts to a very small percentage of violent criminals.

"There is no longer a place in our society for the 'it is not my business' mentality because not it is everyone's business and unless people are willing to step forward anonymously or otherwise and share whatever information they have, then it will not matter how many Police officers they put on the streets. Crime will simply take over."

And she reassured the public that they would never have to testify in a trial for providing information.

Mrs MacPhee said: "At no time will they ever, ever, ever be asked to come forward and be a witness to an incident. We have never allowed any information. We do not gather any information on our callers.

"You can be assured that you will never be asked to come forward to be a witness in a court of law. It is up to the Police to build a case around that anonymous tip."

Mrs. MacPhee announced that since its inception in 1996, Crime Stoppers had received 3,352 tips, helped with 189 arrests, seen 227 cases cleared and helped to seize more than $1.4 million dollars in assets. The crime statistics were given in February and showed a 9.3 percent rise in 2008.

Mrs. MacPhee said that even though calls peak after a serious crime such as a murder happens, the number of calls to the Miami-based call centre are down significantly.

She stressed that people who call in with tips would always remain anonymous even if they ask for a reward and said most Bermudians who call the hot line seldom request a reward.

Mrs. MacPhee said the caller would be assigned an identification number and then arrange a place for the money to be put.

"If you want it in a coke can behind the hibiscus tree on whatever street. It is completely anonymous, even crime payment.

"We need the information. We're not expecting callers to give us the smoking gun. We're not expecting major crimes to be solved in one tip."

The maximum reward is $2,000, but that amount went up to $50,000 for information leading to Jason Lightbourne's killer.

Asked if Crime Stoppers would pay out to more than one person, Mrs. MacPhee said that has happened in the past but was unable to comment on individual cases out of confidentiality.

The new website is www.crimestoppers.bm and the number is 800-TIPS.