Dodwell said on Friday.

And it could have massive financial repercussions for the Island, he told the House of Assembly.

"The issue of safety and security of visitors anywhere is now in the top five reasons for selecting a destination,'' Mr. Dodwell said. "It's important to point out that the information I have is that we are still considered one of the destinations which is most safe.'' Mr. Dodwell added that he attempted to contact an Ohio couple who were attacked by masked robbers on Wednesday night at White Sands Hotel in Paget, but they had already gone home.

He said: "I can imagine the message they are taking back to Ohio, their travel agent and their friends.'' Dennis Lister (PLP) said a taxi driver who had customised his taxi inside with messages to attract visitors had been told his cab could not pass TCD.

He said: "Taxis are not permitted to have any advertising inside their cabs -- but this isn't advertising. If anything, it's advertising for Bermuda.'' Premier David Saul agreed that any Bermudian who robs a tourist is also robbing his fellow Bermudians.

"If we can get this across, like the AIDS message, to young people, churches and families, we will have made a quantum leap.'' But he pointed out that arrests had followed most serious incidents "as quick as summer lightning''.

But he criticised Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen for talking about a "wave of crime.'' He said: "Crime against tourists is down.'' And he said such statements may become a "death wish and a self-fulfilling prophesy''..'' Earlier, Mr. Allen had said the attack on the visitors was "dastardly''.

He said the increase in crime, especially those aimed at visitors, was creating a negative climate in the island and he pointed to the "dastardly'' attack on two elderly tourists earlier this week as an example of the trend.

"We have some bad days ahead unless we come to grips with this,'' he said.

The Pembroke East Central MP added he had received complaints from his constituents who live in and around the Ducking Stool area in Pembroke.

He said they were annoyed because the area has become a hang out for those involved in the drug trade.

Mr. Allen said he wanted to see Police increase patrols in the area to protect residents.