suspected shop thief.

P.c. Kehoe matched the suspect with a description flashed to patrolling officers. And he set off in pursuit of the man along Wesley Street in Hamilton.

He was soon joined by colleague P.c. Sean Mullan, and between them they managed to catch the man and recover some jewellery.

The chase followed a smash-and-grab raid at Vera P. Card on Front Street at around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone who can help should call Det. Insp. Jonathan Smith at Central CID on 299-4554.

A 33-year-old St. George's man is helping with Police inquiries.

HOT SOUNDS . . .

FIR Hot sounds . . .

High-powered car stereos can make more than a lot of noise, according to the Bermuda Fire Service.

Recent car fires are believed to have been caused by incorrect installation of stereo systems.

The fire service is recommending that modifications be performed by qualified electricians.

Lt. Jon Thompson said: "Some recent car fires have shown that incorrect installation of high power stereo systems present a fire hazard.

"Another area of concern involves the installation of oversized car batteries.

"In some instances they may come into contact with the hood of the engine compartment creating a fire hazard.

"It is recommended that replacement batteries conform to the manufacturer's specifications and are installed by qualified personnel.'' WATER DAMAGE FIR Water damage A sprinkler system which put out a blazing trash bin at a large hotel caused more damage than the fire.

Firefighters were called to Marriott's Castle Harbour in the early hours of yesterday and found that the fire in an office had already been extinguished.

But they discovered that the sprinkler system had caused a great deal of water damage to carpets and furniture. Firemen used water vacuums to remove water from the building.

A fire service spokesman said the estimated fire damage was $30, but the damage caused by water amounted to around $750.

He said the cause of the blaze was believed to have been a carelessly discarded cigarette end.

BIRTHDAY VISIT MIL Birthday visit A detachment of 46 Royal Navy personnel will be flown into the Island for the Queen's Birthday Parade on Monday.

Members of the Second Submarine Squadron, from Devonport, are providing the guard for the march past.

They will be guests of HMS Malabar who are seeking places in Bermuda for them to stay. Commanding officer Robin Bawtree said: "We are looking for people who can look after the sailors for the weekend.'' Anyone who can help should phone 234-0234.

POLICE WARNING CRM Police warning Jewellery continues to be a major target for burglars.

And Police are warning people not to accept cut-price jewellery except from a recognised jeweller.

At a home on Berry Hill Road, Paget, thieves stole gold wedding and engagement rings of sentimental value to the owner. Also stolen was a sterling silver rope chain and a pair of earrings.

Thieves also struck at Ten Pin Crescent in Warwick, stealing a Gucci watch and a 14 carat gold chain.

Police Public Relations Officer Sgt. John Dale said: "I would like to take this opportunity to advise everyone not to accept cut price jewellery except from a recognised jeweller's store or from someone you know well.

"I would advise anyone who owns jewellery to photograph it and keep a couple of copies. This will help our inquiries.'' CHEAPER FUEL EGY Cheaper fuel Fuel prices dropped marginally this week. The two local oil companies, Esso and Shell, dropped the wholesale price of gasoline 1.7 cents a litre, diesel 0.4 cents a litre and kerosene 0.1 cents a litre.

The price changes are linked to greater availability of oil supplies on the international market.