The search for escaped prisoner David Burrows has cost the tax payer at least $7,000, a study by The Royal Gazette reveals.

Assistant Commissioner Carlton Adams of the Bermuda Police service told The Royal Gazette that the force had "not gone so far as to calculate the cost" and referred such queries to Police media relations officer Dwayne Caines.

Mr. Caines was also unable to release the specific amount expended in the effort.

However, he emphasised the importance of protecting the safety of the community by working in tandem with corrections officers to recapture the fugitive.

"Whenever we do anything at the Bermuda Police Service, we deploy Police services to make sure the community is safe. I don't want to make the story police resources when the Bermuda Police Service is coming to the aid of the corrections officers," he said.

He said all efforts were being made by the dedicated team of four police and two corrections officers which was formed on 11 days ago on June 12.

The estimated cost was calculated at $7,228.90 based on the latest budget figures using the lowest ranking basic yearly salary for a police constable, $39,761, and a corrections officer, $40,412.

Mr. Caines told radio news that Burrows had been seen in Southampton and some central parishes including at Euclid Avenue, Pembroke.

Asked why it was taking so long to find Burrows in such a small island Mr. Caines denied it should be easy.

"Unfortunately there are people aiding him in alluding the authorities.

"He's going from house to house getting food and getting shelter. He's moving around the parishes and it's very difficult to locate him."