Soaring gun crime is causing worried homeowners to fork out for extra protection, according to Bermuda's security firms.

And at least one company has reported an increase in calls since robbers broke into Richard Gaglio's Smith's home and shot him in the chest.

After being at death's door Mr. Gaglio appears to be on the mend but other householders are not taking their chances against gun-toting invaders and are 'barricading' themselves into their homes.

Bermuda Security Group sales and marketing manager Douglas Hines said: "Since the incident I'd say calls have increased 15 to 20 percent."

There had already been heightened interest in the past couple of months, said Mr. Hines.

Over the summer rival town gangs engaged in tit-for-tat shootings in the backstreets of Hamilton, leaving one man dead and others injured.

"But the Gaglio incident really opened some people's eyes," added Mr. Hines. "Several people who I have done surveys feel this victim was a specific target but it has made them more concerned.

"Their concern now is for weapons and the brazen attitude of those doing the break-ins.

"Previously many clients or potential clients thought that security was more of a nice thing to have. But now they are feeling it's becoming more of a necessity."

Mr. Hines said customers were getting more proactive rather than just reacting after burglars had hit their home.

"They don't like the idea of having to barricade themselves into their own homes, but many feel they have no choice any more."

Selectron Ltd. owner Martin Jones also reported a rise in business after the recent surge in gun crime.

He said: "We have installed 10 to 15 intruder alarms for clients in the last two months, a large increase."

Clients are also snapping up home CCTV which enables them to monitor and view their properties while away.

Mr. Jones added: "We are inundated with calls from both residential and commercial clients with most people wanting to be protected before the crime, as opposed to after an event.

"We have installed both hidden pin-hole cameras and the more obvious bullet or dome type cameras in both residential and commercial properties."

Smart Security owner Kevin McNeil also reported a rise in calls, particularly with people wanting intruder alarms.