about the Island she had come to love.

Last week, the German visitor became another victim in a crime which has spiralled -- handbag snatching.

The 56-year-old knows only too well her hard luck tale has a familiar ring.

But she hopes Government -- keen to tap into the European tourism market -- will finally stand up and take notice. Before it is too late.

"I have been coming to Bermuda since 1991, and over those years I have noticed changes which haven't been for the better,'' the Munich bank secretary told The Royal Gazette .

"There has been an increase in crime, and it is worrying me. I can tell things are changing just by reading the paper.'' Shocked into speaking out, Ms Compes said she was targeted by a thief on a motorbike as she stood at the bus stop in Whale Bay, Southampton.

It was about 8.30 p.m., and she was waiting to catch a bus to Hillcrest Guest House in St. George's, where she was staying for her two-week vacation.

"I was by myself, and had my handbag inside my beach bag,'' she explained.

"Suddenly I felt this pulling. I did not know what was happening, and was so surprised.

"This man said `come on, come on', and I could not hold on to the bag any longer. He rode off with both the handbag and beach bag.

"I started screaming, but nobody could hear me. I was so furious, I could not believe what had happened.'' Ms Compes then flagged down a couple in a car and a taxi driver, who tried in vain to track down the thief.

Police were alerted, although she could not give a description of the man.

"It was very dark and I could not see anything. The bus stop needs to be lit up.'' Ms Compes said the plastic beach bag was white, and had navy blue lines on it.

Inside the white leather handbag was a blue purse containing between $50 and $100.

"I lost credit cards, a camera, a recorder, and a ring,'' she said.

She appealed for the return of film inside the camera.

"It would be no good to the person who took it. If he reads this I would ask him to return it.'' Ms Compes, who left the Island on Saturday evening, said she would be taking with her some happier memories.

"I am so thankful to the couple who stopped and the cab driver,'' she stressed.

"People who have heard about what happened have been very kind. I was given a drawing for free, as well as some postcards. I would like to thank everybody.'' Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said Government was "deeply concerned'' about the crime problem.

Latest statistics showed there were 66 snatches between January 1 and September 30, compared to just 16 in the same period in 1993.

"I can assure you crime against visitors is being discussed by Cabinet at the highest level,'' said Mr. Woolridge.

"One of the things we have been promoting is that Bermuda is a safe destination.

"What we have got to get across to people that commit these types of crime is that they are biting the hand that feeds them.

"We rely on our image to attract tourists and international business.'' SHOCKED -- Ms Ursula Compes whose holiday in Bermuda was marred by a bag snatcher.