thefts yesterday by announcing the creation of its own bike-marking programme.

"Cycle theft has always been a problem, but during this year the situation has become very alarming,'' Colonial general manager Mr. William Madeiros said at a news conference that also included Police spokeswoman Sgt. Roseanda Jones and Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt.

"All statistics indicate that 1994 will be the worst year on record.'' Added Sgt. Jones: "Last year we had a total of 1,284 cycle thefts. This year we saw 1,677 by the end of September. This is really reaching an alarming rate.'' The new scheme, which was formed in conjunction with Police, will in fact "complement and enhance'' the Force's existing programme.

"Our programme will have two phases,'' Mr. Madeiros explained. "In Phase I, all bikes being purchased at local distributors which are insured by Colonial will be `U' marked by our service representative before they leave the showroom.

"This is the easiest and most convenient way of ensuring all new bikes are `U' marked.

"During Phase II,'' Mr. Madeiros continued, "all bikes that are currently on the road and insured by Colonial can be `U' marked by our service representative.

"We will make house calls. We are able to come to your home or place of business.'' Colonial's special representative, Mr. Denton Gibbons, will even be glad to mark a bike in City Hall car park, Mr. Madeiros said.

"The whole process takes about five minutes. An identification mark is permanently inscribed on various parts of the cycle and these details will then be forwarded to the Police.'' One feature of Colonial's programme that differs from the Police's is the inclusion of a colourful sticker on the body of a marked bike.

The attractive labels, Mr. Madeiros said, were designed to appeal to a wide range of cycle riders.

He told The Royal Gazette : "We're hoping they will become a fashion accessory of sorts.'' Participants in the programme will have five stickers to choose from.

CRIME BUSTING -- Colonial Insurance service representative Mr. Denton Gibbons demonstrates the company's new bike-marking scheme as motor manager Mr. Dwayne Hill (left) and marketing representative Mr. Ricky Hill look on.