Women's activists yesterday called for Police officers deployed to catch speeding motorists to be switched to foot patrol to deal with the latest spate of handbag snatches.

The demand came after two more women had their bags snatched on Friday -- one in broad daylight.

Penny Dill, chairwoman of the Women's Resource Centre, said: "What's more important? Catching someone for speeding or protecting the women in our society? "Why can't they use some of the people on radar patrol for speed traps and use them in areas where the handbag snatches are occurring? "The Police know where they are taking place, so why can't they increase the patrols in those areas, especially when they are happening in the afternoon? This is getting ridiculous.'' Police said last night that the force was "not sitting idly by'', but foot patrols were not a viable option because the robbers would move to different areas.

Ms Dill also criticised Police for not telling the public what they are doing to catch the thieves.

"Throughout this time, the Police haven't come back and said what they're doing,'' said Ms Dill.

A Police spokesman said last night: "We appreciate suggestions from members of the public, including the Women's Resource Centre...and while it would be imprudent to disclose specifics of police operations in this regard, some real progress is being made.

"One person has been arrested for a handbag snatch and a court case in pending, it is likely others will follow.

"Assistant Police Commissioner Adams has indicated that a `quick fix' to these types of crimes is not always possible.'' `Use speed police to catch thieves' Police considered catching speeders important because they could cause deaths on the roads.

"Introducing foot patrols in the areas where these incidents are occurring may sound an obvious remedy, but it would be equally obvious to the culprits that they simply need to find another area in which to operate.'' The statement urged members of the public to get a copy of the Police brochure on safety for women.

The Royal Gazette reported yesterday that an e-mail is circulating to women across the Island advising them not to exercise alone at night and not to carry handbags when they are alone.

Ms Dill said she understood the concern, but thought it was excessive to issue this advice.

"I can see the point that is trying to be made, but women have as much right to walk in the evenings as anyone other person at any other time,'' she said.

"As a result of the recent attacks on women, we are not saying they shouldn't exercise, but they should take extra precautions.'' The original author of the e-mail is not known, but the message warning women to take precautions because the "Island is getting crazy'' has been passed to hundreds of women.

The message calls for women to carry pepper or mace sprays, which are currently illegal.

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