March 11, 2002

Dear Sir,

In August of last year, my husband and I had an opportunity to visit your beautiful island for the second time. Unfortunately, crime has hit your paradise and there is a lack of concern for the safety of tourists. While we were sleeping one night, someone entered our room at the Pompano Beach Club and stole an extremely valuable bracelet. We were fortunate that we were not hurt by the intruder(s). The lock on the screen door to our room did not work.

The incident was reported to Pompano Beach Club Management and a police report was filed. Although the police seemed optimistic that the bracelet would show up, I have heard nothing from the Police or Pompano Beach Club. Colonial Insurance sent a cheque for $240, which they advised, is the maximum payable under Bermuda law; could this be true? This amount does not even come close to the value of this bracelet.

We heard of other theft crimes during our visit; another room had cash stolen and a couple had money stolen out of their scooter. Apparently crime has become rampant and Bermuda natives are not willing to address the issue directly. Yes, there was a preprinted note in the room advising to lock valuables; which we did when we left the room. The preprinted note proves that PBC is aware that crime is a problem.

Why didn't PBC have a working lock on the screen door? Who would ever have thought that a thief would be brazen enough to enter a room while we were sleeping? Since crime cannot be controlled, adequate security measures need to be in place to deter incidents like this. Pompano Beach Club should have nighttime patrols and a security plan in place to protect their guests. When questioned, they did not have nighttime patrols or security measures in place.

We are shocked that there is such little concern over our incident. If Bermuda and the hotels do not implement deterrents to this type of activity, tourism will suffer and that will certainly affect the prosperity to your island. Don't wait until someone is killed before taking action to address crime on your island. Comments and suggestions from you and/or your readers would be most welcome.

DAVID AND JUDEE ENDEAN

Apopka, Florida