increasing violence, the Department of Tourism's spokesman said yesterday.

Mr. Charles Webbe's warning comes amid growing concern over the effect of violence on the Island's image as a safe destination.

"We can spend millions of dollars on promoting Bermuda, but it is like spitting in the wind if our advertising is being done against a background of violence,'' he charged.

Just a week ago, teenagers Ian DeSilva/Simmons and Jermaine Lovell were shot by a gunman at the Spinning Wheel Night Club in Court Street.

There have also been several armed robberies recently involving handguns, and reports of a drive-by shooting in Curving Avenue last Tuesday.

And Police confirmed yesterday six air rifles had been stolen from the carnival site at White Hill in Sandy's Parish. The rifles, used for carnival games, were taken about two weeks ago, said spokeswoman Sgt. Roseanda Jones.

As part of a multi-pronged attack on crime Government last Friday launched a firearms amnesty. But the response so far has been disappointing.

Police have also introduced night-time patrols of tourist accommodations.

Regular officers have now joined reserve constables in carrying out these patrols, said Sgt. Jones.

Yesterday Mr. Webbe, manager of the Tourism Department's public relations, said Government was very concerned about Bermuda's image.

He appealed for all Bermudians to do their best to prevent it being tarnished.

Mr. Webbe said Government was always anxious to find out how Bermuda was portrayed by the local and overseas media.

"Newspapers go abroad and people read papers. Views of visitors are formed by what they read.'' There was a concern that visitors' perceptions of Bermuda as a safe destination was being altered by what they read.

But Mr. Webbe said Government -- which monitors the overseas Press -- had not spotted any adverse publicity abroad over the Spinning Wheel shooting.

Mr. Webbe added, however, Tourism officials had met recently with the White House political correspondent for Time Magazine.

"He commented on what he saw in our newspapers, and noted there was a problem of guns.'' Mr. Webbe said foreign journalists did approach Government occasionally about crime in Bermuda.

"We have to be honest about it, and point out that this is something relatively new to Bermuda and Government is addressing it.

"We do say, however, Bermuda is still a relatively safe place to be.''