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Detectives are investigating another handbag snatch in the popular tourist area of Pitt's Bay Road -- the third in as many days.

And the attack Sunday night on an elderly couple could prompt serious moves to have Hamilton's closed circuit surveillance cameras extended to just outside its borders to protect tourists and residents in the growing business, hotel and residential district.

The couple lost money and an airline ticket but gave a cycle riding thief a good fright when the 76-year-old male struck him with his cane on Sunday evening, causing the thief to crash into a utility pole.

The man put up a fight when the cyclist came back for a second try at his wife's handbag.

The cyclist had rode by and failed to grab the 74-year-old woman's handbag as they walked along Pitt's Bay Road near Woodbourne Avenue at 8.15 p.m.

When the cyclist boldly turned the cycle around and snatched the woman's bag she was knocked to the ground and her husband gave the rider a good shellacking.

But he was able to get away despite crashing into the pole.

The woman was not seriously injured but was taken to hospital, a Police spokesperson said, because she was "traumatised''.

Witnesses to the incident have come forward and given statements to Police.

On Friday night a local woman had her handbag snatched as she went to her car on Point Pleasant Road around 11 p.m.

A cyclist rode up and grabbed her handbag and riding off.

And just a half hour earlier a man was unsuccessful in getting another woman's handbag as she walked with friends on Pitt's Bay Road.

The suspect in that incident is described as a dark-brown skinned man of slim build and about five feet eight inches tall.

He is described as wearing a hooded jacket and blue jeans and riding a black cycle.

In a broadcast news report last night Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Roger Sherratt said the City's fathers were concerned about crime in that area and would like to see the Closed Circuit Television net to reach further, outside their jurisdiction.

"We have a great deal of concern in that area,'' Mr. Sherratt said. "We are working with a couple of major companies to see whether or not we can extend the system (beyond Bermudiana Road).

"We are hoping the two companies will pay any costs,'' Mr. Sherratt explained.

He added that he understood that Works and Engineering were on the verge of putting in extra lighting.

Extra surveillance needed "They are putting some in right now or very soon. Hopefully Police will patrol in that area to cut it out,'' he continued.

Mr. Sherratt explained that much of the crime visited upon the area was drug related with people stealing to support their habit.

One guest house owner contacted yesterday said she was satisfied with Police activity in the area and said handbag snatches were an Island-wide problem.

"I think Police do a pretty good job around here,'' Oxford guesthouse owner Ann Smith said. "They can't be everywhere. Overnight is a long time to be in one area. I've only had one incident like that in 17 years.

"I think it is a big problem all over, not just in my area,'' she added. "We see Police driving back and forth. I used to say to my guests that you are safe at Oxford.

"But now I'm not so sure anymore. I can't just say be careful anymore. We at Oxford are pretty well covered. There is always somebody around and the building is well lit.'' HAMILTON HAM