Police have been patrolling commercial properties over the Christmas period as part of a tradition to deter shoplifting.

The officers are regularly hired as extra duty officers by shops and grocery stores around the island, particularly during Christmas and into the New Year.

A spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service said: “Extra duty officers provide a visual deterrent to shoplifting and are there to assist store security/staff should a theft or other incident take place.

“They have full powers as a police officer when conducting these duties.

“These are officers who are on their days off – they are paid an extra duty fee which goes to the officer. There is no payment that comes out of the Government purse for this.

“Police officers providing this service while on their days off is a longstanding practice dating back several years.”