Amid a disturbing series of crimes against tourists this year, one hotelier wants new "tougher laws,'' that would treat criminals convicted of attacking tourists more severely than if a local were victimised.

Mr. W.A. (Toppy) Cowen says that he is very concerned when tourists are robbed or assaulted during their visit.

"A lot of guests have the impression they can come to the Island and listen to the sea breeze,'' he said.

"But when things like this happen it sends a message that Bermuda too has its problems.'' A survey of stories published in the The Royal Gazette during the month of May, reveals that a total of ten visitors had their handbags snatched while on their livery cycles, while three more reported being robbed after they were assaulted.

The latest victim was a couple staying at the Pink Beach Hotel.

While riding their livery cycle along Berry Hill Road around 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday night, a man rode up alongside them.

He snatched a leather purse from the cycle basket which was had been left unsecured in the basket.

Though this incident was unfortunate, Mr. Cowen said it was the first one for the year at his property.

"Although we have only had one incident so far, this sets up a bad feeling and this type of behaviour should not be allowed.'' Mr. Cowen said all Bermudians must pull together, and he suggested extending the Neighbourhood Watch groups that already exist in parts of the Island.

"We want our guests to feel safe and it is up to each person to report crimes that occur.'' Mr. Cowen's sentiments were supported by other establishments, including current hotelier of the year Mr. Dennis Tucker, who is vice president of Sonesta Beach, and Mr. John Harvey, executive director of the Bermuda Hotel Association.

In March the BHA pledged support for Police in the fight against crime and Mr.

Harvey said his association was saddened by the "absolutely awful attacks'' committed so far this year.

However, both men stepped back from the radical changes Mr. Cowen proposed.

"I don't think that you can make that kind of distinction in law between a visitor and a local,'' Mr. Tucker said. "But incidents such as these give a bad impression of the island.''