Field carnival.

They have smashed through security fencing, knocked about stereo equipment, stolen prizes, and broken into at least one gaming machine.

One man who helped set up the fair told The Royal Gazette yesterday how he chased some trouble-makers who had snatched stuffed toys.

Said Mr. Jack Maloney: "We get these youths coming round here at night trying to steal.'' Another stall-holder claimed youths using a screwdriver had yanked open a machine and stolen money.

"I would say there were between 15 and 20 youths who came here.'' Some people have blamed the Pembroke-based White Wall Crew for spoiling the family fun.

"They are just a load of bullies. Meet any of them on their own and they are not nearly so tough,'' said a carnival security officer.

The Royal Gazette was told problems were particularly bad on Tuesday night.

Police had to be alerted after youngsters hellbent on causing trouble broke into the carnival without paying.

Security at the Sandys Parish fair has now been tightened up, although organisers were keen to downplay the trouble.

Mr. Choy Aming stressed the carnival, boasting 15 rides, had been a huge success overall, with problems caused by a tiny minority.

"The carnival has been just what Bermuda needed, bringing everybody together,'' he said.

He pointed out more than 200 nursery schoolchildren came this week for a fun day out.

"We have also hired Bermudians to run stalls and take tickets for rides,'' he added.

Mr. Neil Willerton, owner of Canada's Echo Amusements, which brought the carnival here, said: "We have been trying to keep it a family event.'' "A couple of kids have caused a few problems, but the Police have their names.'' The Royal Gazette was tipped off about the carnival's problems yesterday.

A man who attended the event said there had been trouble almost every night.

He claimed a couple of youngsters on Tuesday night had thrown a chair through stereo equipment when organisers tried to eject them from a ride.

Carnival hit by thefts "There's nobody controlling what's going on,'' he said.

Some of the man's allegations were backed up when The Royal Gazette visited the site yesterday.

Several stall-holders complained of thefts of prizes.

"There have been a few problems, but when you compare it to places like the Bronx it is nothing,'' one said with a smile.

The man running a game called "Splashdown'' said: "Youths opened up one of the machines with a screwdriver and took the coins.'' General manager of Echo Amusements Mr. Martineau Yves, from Ontario, admitted youngsters were stealing. "I reckon there are about 15 or 20 youths coming down here causing the problems.'' Mr. Willerton, however, put the number at much lower.

"There are only a couple of kids, that's all. They broke into the carnival through the fencing and knocked over some stereo equipment.'' He added: "I think Bermuda is a wonderful place. The people are really great to deal with, and I feel very safe here. We have been trying to keep this a family affair, and provide fun for everyone.'' Mr. Aming said he had hired Policemen to patrol at night from Monday to Thursday.

"We have four officers working at weekends,'' he added.

A Police spokesman said Tuesday night's problems were minimal.

"There was a bit of trouble, but nothing very much''.