Bermuda hotels face a difficult balancing act when considering the security of their residents.

They have to provide a safe and secure environment, but they also have to ensure visitors can relax on holiday away from the stresses of home.

And as one of the main selling points of Bermuda is its reputation as a low-crime destination, any crime against visitors chips away at that foundation.

The properties themselves pride themselves on being open and visitor-friendly, whilst wrestling with the need to keep unwanted guests off their sites.

Police crime prevention specialist Chris Wilcox is at the vanguard of efforts to assist accommodations in protecting themselves and their vacationers.

He said there is much that can be done but hotels must decide how much security they want, whilst not losing sight of why people come on holiday and frightening them off in the process.

And there is the possibility that simply making one property burglar-proof, pushes the raider further along or makes him more determined to break-in.

Acting Insp. Wilcox said: "Hotels are in a difficult position, trying to portray themselves as open, friendly and encouraging guests to enjoy their properties.

"But this makes them open for criminals. It is a trade-off, balancing security with guests' requirements.'' Shadow Tourism Minister and Reefs owner David Dodwell is aware of the fine line cottage colonies such as his tread.

"Physically it would be impossible to turn this place into a compound -- then what message are you sending? "That is what happened in Jamaica, then they created all-inclusive resorts but then the money doesn't get into the economy.'' Acting Insp. Wilcox advises hotels on security measures, such as lighting, trimming hedges to minimise hiding places, installing cameras, putting warning notices in rooms and straightening out driveways to eliminate blind spots.

There are also joint initiatives whereby hotels in the same vicinity fax each other if they have a problem with trespassers or intruders.

The Hotel Merit Awards are made for properties that reach a minimum level required by Police, Fire and Health departments.

But all that work can be for nothing if basic rules are not followed.

"The biggest problem is the tourists themselves,'' he said. "They come here with the idea that Bermuda is an extension of Disneyworld -- a land where they don't have crime.

"They come to relax and nothing is going to happen to them. They don't think that we have problems of our own.

"Just about all the break-ins are because tourists leave doors or windows open.'' In addition, the layout of many smaller properties can make life easier for the criminal, with lush undergrowth, beach access and extensive grounds creating hiding places and escape routes.

At the end of the day, acting Insp. Wilcox said the public are prepared to tolerate a certain level of crime in their neighbourhood, and once it rises above that, they require action.

Police crime prevention specialist Chris Wilcox TOURISM TOU