taking'' -- not giving -- as shoplifters cut into their profits along with the recession.

But store owners are fighting back by installing new security systems, or upgrading existing ones.

Music Box owner, Mr. Eddie DeMello, has just fitted his store with an electronic "guard'' at the store's entrance in an effort to deter would-be thieves. An alarm sounds if someone tries to slip tagged merchandise out of the store without paying.

Mr. DeMello, who said he has lost "thousands'' to shoplifters, said the situation has gotten to a point where serious steps must be taken.

"I would have never thought Bermuda would come to this,'' said Mr. DeMello.

"This is (like) New York.'' Besides the new machinery, Mr. DeMello said it is likely the Music Box will have additional security features for Christmas.

Mr. DeMello said economic woes, overseas shopping sprees and theft have hit Island retailers hard.

He said the consumer ultimately pays for these thefts through price increases which must be made to cover the cost of added security.

"Most businesses can't absorb any more hikes,'' said Mr. DeMello. "If we break even, we're lucky.'' Knick-Knack general manager Mr. Bobby Rego said most establishments expect a rise in shoplifting incidents around Christmas, but said different options were being examined to keep incidents in his store down.

"We're definitely looking into...beefing up security,'' he said. "It's difficult for the staff to concentrate on taking care of customers and watching for people who might shoplift.'' "When there are more people around, it's more difficult to observe,'' said Mr. Rego. "They (shoplifters) look for crowds.'' Gibbons Company has not seen a noticeable increase in shoplifting "so far'', said managing director, Dr. Grant Gibbons.

Dr. Gibbons said the store has always managed to keep shoplifting under control, but noted that management and staff will be "keeping an eye on it now that Christmas is approaching''.

Owner of Makin' Waves, Mr. Douglas Patterson, said his store's security system -- installed some three years ago -- has definitely helped to deter shoplifters.

"If (shoplifters) see you have a security system, they will pass you by and try someone else,'' he said.

Mr. Patterson is also not worried about the crowded yuletide shopping season.

"Cup Match is actually our busiest time,'' said Mr. Patterson, who had three shoplifting incidents this year -- all during the summer.

H.A. & E. Smith president, Mr. Henry Vesey Jr., said the store's shoplifting problems peaked three years ago, and has dipped since with the installation of a number of security devices.

"We haven't noticed an upsurge in shoplifting,'' he said. "We have a system in place, and we are carefully monitoring the situation.'' Mr. Vesey said he believed drugs were more of a cause for the rise in shoplifting than the recession.

One form of retail theft which is apparently becoming more prevalent in the Island is "snatch and run'', in which the thief quickly enters the store, grabs a pre-determined piece of merchandise and dashes straight out the door before sales staff can react.

SIGN OF THE TIMES -- Music Box owner Mr. Eddie DeMello stands next to his new security system which he hopes will deter shoplifters.