A veteran New York City firefighter yesterday launched a desperate appeal to two thieves to return his priceless silver badge they stole in a handbag snatching on Sunday.

Jack Ginley and his family fell from their cycles as they tried to chase down the pair ? described as two black males on a Suzuki RC100 motorcycle ? on Watch Hill Road around 7 p.m.

Ironically the first passerby to find the Ginleys was the man in charge of a tourism watchdog, Wayne Smith, the executive director of the Bermuda Alliance for Tourism. Mr. Smith also gave chase, unsuccessfully.

The pillion passenger of the cycle snatched a child's purple knapsack from his wife's rental cycle's basket, made a U-turn, and rode off in a westerly direction.

"I don't care about the cash, the credit cards and the other sentimental items I had in the bag, but my New York City Fire Department badge is something I really wanted to retire with," the 24-year veteran said. He was among the crews that rushed to the scene of the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001.

He added: "I have six years to go to be in the department for thirty years. The badge means everything to me, I am not trying to prosecute anybody, if anybody has any information about this, please come forward where ever it is convenient."

Mr. Ginley, currently staying at the St. George's Club, is a frequent visitor to the island said he loves Bermuda and will return.

Mr. Ginley said he was really angry at first that his wife and children were put in danger but after he found they were safe he became concerned about his sliver badge, number 881.

Wayne Smith, Executive Director of Bermuda Alliance for Tourism, who found Mr. Ginley and his family on the road also gave chase to the suspects, to no avail.

"This is an unfortunate event and we would like to appeal to the community to stop committing these crimes against tourists and locals," Mr. Smith said.

He added: "Notwithstanding the great work of the Police, we in the tourism industry feel that one crime is too many and we are taking a zero tolerance towards these crimes and wish to encourage the Police to continue their efforts to stamp out crime."

The rider was wearing a black half shell helmet and dark coloured jeans and his passenger was wearing a black half shell helmet, dark brown top and dark blue jeans.

Anybody with any information about this incident can call Det. Sgt. Robert Cardwell at 297- 3020.