A Bermudian woman who escaped a mugger in Jamaica has called on Government here to get tough with bag-snatchers who prey on tourists.

Janice Swainson says she can understand how Island tourists feel after she was confronted by a knife-wielding thief in Montego Bay, Jamaica, last week.

She says these thefts will chase tourists away and has called on Government, Police and the Courts to clamp down hard on the thieves.

She wants tougher sentences, more undercover Police officers and New York-style Guardian Angel volunteer security groups.

Mrs. Swainson, a housewife from Somerset, told The Royal Gazette : "I've walked in the shoes of these tourists and we have got to do something about it because they will not be back in a long time.

"I'm still shaken and I know I will not be going back to Jamaica for a long time. Our tourists will not be back, and they will be telling their friends about what happened.'' Her comments came after United Bermuda Party Senator Maxwell Burgess warned Bermudians that crimes against visitors could hamper the Island's attempts to reinvigorate tourism.

Mrs. Swainson added: "There should be undercover officers who dress as tourists and go with bags where the tourists go.

"But there aren't sufficient officers to go around, so maybe they should use reserves.

"Maybe we could have those Guardian Angels like they have in New York because they are very visible. That might work.

"When they go to court, they should throw them in prison because these people who have been robbed will not be back.

"I want them to do everything they can to protect our tourists. Government puts out 100 day reports, why don't they put out tourist questionnaires to everyone?'' Recalling her ordeal in Montego Bay, Mrs. Swainson said: "I was walking behind my family with my handbag under my jacket, which I thought would be safe, then I felt this fumble and I let out a scream.

"Then this tall Jamaican man came from behind me and brandished this large knife. I thought my time had come.

"The crowd started to disperse and I was so frightened I ran off. He slashed my bag strap but didn't get my purse.

"It was so traumatic that it still keeps flashing before me. Apart from that, I must say the people were so friendly in Jamaica.'' An 80 year-old woman suffered minor abrasions yesterday after she was shoved to the ground by a thief who stole her handbag.

The elderly lady was getting out of her car on Woodbourne Avenue when a man knocked her down, snatched her handbag and stole away on a motorbike.

The assailant was described as a young black male, dressed in black, wearing a black helmet and riding a black bike.

The handbag contained cash and personal papers when it was snatched just after 5 p.m. yesterday.

While shaken and injured, the victim did not require hospitalisation.