of raids on small firms.

The call from Mr. Steve Thomson came after a woman on his staff was slashed by a knife-wielding robber.

The raider entered the Just Shirts laundry in Hamilton on Wednesday evening and demanded money from the till.

The 24-year-old worker tried to raise the alarm, but the robber lashed out and cut her arm before escaping.

Mr. Thomson is now equipping the laundry with high-tech anti-crime devices.

He says firms have no choice when "cowardly'' criminals are picking on premises staffed by lone women.

Before the robbery, Mr. Thomson had been hoping to sell the successful laundry.

He is declining to reveal how much cash was snatched.

"The supervisor on duty gave him the money freely,'' he said. "She attempted to summon one of the other employees from the back of the shop by pushing a bell.

"The robber lashed out at her with a knife and cut her right forearm.'' Mr.

Thomson happened to call the laundry minutes after the raid.

He picked up his injured employee and took her to hospital. She did not need stitches.

"This sort of thing is becoming prevalent,'' he said. "I grew up in an Island where we didn't lock our car doors or our homes.

"But because of the menace of drugs we now have to think very carefully about our small businesses with single employees, especially single female employees.

"It seems to me most of the incidents recently have involved single female employees.

"For an Island which depends on tourism, for the crime rate to be rising so dramatically is a sad statement.

"We have to take measures to ensure the safety of our companies and our employees. This is our prime intention.'' Mr. Thomson condemned the attack on his staff member, who has not been identified.

"I think this guy's highly cowardly. Nobody can have self respect if they attack single women.

"I'd love to see him face to face.'' But he did not believe robbers were going out with the intention of attacking employees.

"They're not after people. It's company money they want. I would say just give them what they want, we're insured.'' Equipment now being installed at the laundry includes double-locking windows, motion detectors, lights, a video camera and a panic button.

Police believe the robber fled in the direction of Serpentine Road.

They are asking anyone with information, or who saw anything suspicious at around 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, to call central CID on 295 0011.

Thieves broke into the H. Davidson diving shop on Park Road, Hamilton on Tuesday night and got away with $200, diving knives, diving bags, American Camper tents, sleeping bags, T-shirts and baseball caps.

Police have warned the thieves may try to sell their haul cheaply.

"The public are advised to contact Police and not to purchase them,'' said force spokesman P.c. Gary Venning.

NO SECOND CHANCE -- Contractors move in yesterday to equip Just Shirts with anti-crime devices following a vicious robbery on Wednesday night.