Three men were arrested yesterday as police carried out stop-and-search exercises across the island, with offences reportedly including possession of knives and riding a stolen motorbike.

The Bermuda Police Service said that at about 1.15pm, officers were at the junction of Paynter’s Road and Harrington Sound Road in Smith’s when they saw two motorcycles heading east along Harrington Sound Road at speed.

Emergency equipment was activated and the vehicles stopped.

The BPS said that officers approached the two male riders and told them they were being stopped and searched under section 315F of the Criminal Code Act.

“During the search, one of the subjects was found to be in possession of a knife with a six-inch blade,” police added.

“Officers informed him of the offence of having a sharp pointed bladed article in a public place.

“He was then arrested and taken to the Hamilton Police Station. He is expected to appear before the courts in the coming days.

“The second male was also arrested after it was discovered the bike he was riding had previously been reported stolen.”

Those arrests came after another at about 9.15am yesterday, when “officers had reason to engage with a male motorcycle rider on Canal Road, near the junction with Laffan Street, Pembroke”.

The BPS added: “During a subsequent search, a knife was discovered in the bike’s storage compartment.

“The weapon was seized, and the rider was arrested and transported to Hamilton Police Station.

“The suspect, a 22-year-old male from Devonshire, has been bailed to appear before the courts at a later date.”

Acting Chief Inspector Anthony Smith of the tactical operations division, said: “The Bermuda Police Service continues to treat bladed article offences seriously as part of its commitment to making Bermuda safer.

“The BPS will be persisting with increased stop-and-search activity as we employ every legal authority in our relentless efforts to bring individuals who choose to engage in criminal activity to justice.”

Police thanked the public for their continued support “as we work together to keep our community safe”.

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