giant potted plants placed outside his shop.

Pierre Dutoya, the Calypso's general manager, told The Royal Gazette this week: "For the fifth time someone has vandalised our property.

"We had been trying to decorate and enhance our storefront with two potted palm trees in grey-green pots. Now one of these pots has been smashed by vandals.

"We try to do something for the tourists and locals. I don't know why they have to destroy that. They have a strange manner.

"The Police have said that we should bring the plants in every night. But I think that it's up to them to ensure the safety of the people and keep the street safe.

"In addition, the pots are too heavy to move every night. I'm going to replace it (the plant) for the sixth time. No-one is going to force me to retreat.

"When you want to attract customers, you must make what you have look the most beautiful. It is wrong to retreat. We should keep things beautiful. We should go after those who vandalise and show them that we can progress.

"I think that with that half million dollar security camera they have on Front Street, there should be a lot less crimes on Front Street.'' Calypso's sales manager Maritza Sequeros said: "It is most disturbing that an establishment, trying to enhance its outside appearance as well as that of Front Street cannot.

"Eight months ago, we placed two large terra cotta pots with palm trees at the entrance of our Front Street shop.

"January 4 marks the fifth time that one of these pots has been smashed by vandals, not to mention the theft of one of our palm trees before Christmas.

"Is this what Bermuda has become? If this is the case, then it is quite appalling.'' Police yesterday reiterated that the store management should take in the pots at night. They had no further comment on the matter.