It has been suggested by an MP that all livery cycles be fitted with lockable cases rather than rear wire baskets to protect them from falling victim to petty thieves.

But a regular visitor to Bermuda believes the wire baskets are more useful than sealed cases and believes a far better idea would be for the rental bike outlets to issue tourists with a safety card advising them of how to protect their belongings when out and about on a moped.

The problem of items such as bags being stolen from the baskets of tourists rental bikes, usually by a thief riding pillion on a passing motorbike, was highlighted last week by Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell.

A solution he suggested was to make it a law that all rental bikes be fitted with lockable boxes on the rear rather than open baskets.

But regular visitor Darlene Klaubert thinks a better strategy would be to issue visitors with clear safety information so they can use bungy cords to secure bags and other items in their bike basket.

On her most recent trip to the Island this month, she saw many tourists riding around without taking any precautions to protect their belongings while riding mopeds.

?Many people place their purchases, backpacks and pocketbooks in the baskets of the bikes. My son even noticed a backpack in a basket that was open with a wallet just laying on the top,? said Mrs. Klaubert, from Massachusetts.

?People should be reminded to bungy these items tightly in their basket. This would prohibit someone passing your bike from easily removing your items as they pass by. We don?t feel that it is necessary to pass a law that the scooters have locking boxes on the back instead of wire baskets.?

Mrs. Klaubert said her family preferred to have the baskets for ease in carrying items such as grocery bags, charcoal, snorkeling equipment and towels that can be difficult or impossible to store in a lock box.

Also, tourists who found they could not place their items in a lock box might try to carry bags as they ride, a practice that could prove dangerous for those not use to attempting such a practice on a regular basis.

She said valuables such as purses and wallets could be placed in the lockable seat compartment.

Mrs. Klaubert went on: ?I would suggest that a safety card be given with each rental pointing out suggestions on how to keep their valuables safe on the mopeds.

?In addition, hotels upon check in, could provide a card providing safety suggestions for guests and their valuables while at hotels and beaches.

?The St. George?s Club provides a card upon check in with a phone message reminding people to use safety precautions.?

Mrs. Klaubert, who has been visiting the Island since she was a teenager, added: ?I hope this gives the Tourism Department a little insight from a tourist who loves Bermuda.?