of residents by claiming to be local fishermen Mr. Derwin Bean or his father Alan.

The 30-year-old Sandys Parish man was yesterday taken into custody on suspicion of false pretences. A court appearance is expected.

Numerous reports had been received of a man knocking on doors and asking to borrow money, and offering to repay them with fish.

"Even on Tuesday as a result of reports through the media, a lady from St.

George's reported that about two weeks ago a man visited her home saying he was a friend of her husband and that he needed money to get some gas for his boat. The lady parted with $20,'' Police spokesman Sgt. John Dale said.

He added victims of similar incidents should contact Police.

WALK IN SMITH'S ON PALM SUNDAY FNR Walk in Smith's on Palm Sunday Nature enthusiasts will be out in full force this Sunday for the Bermuda National Trust's popular Palm Sunday Walk.

The walk will start from the parking lot at Whitney Institute on the Middle Road in Smith's Parish at 2 p.m. Participants may leave their vehicles at the school.

This year's route will cover part of the railway trial overlooking Gibbets Island on the North Shore, continuing through parish woodlands and Spittal Pond.

A drink stop will be located at the half way point of the approximately 6-mile walk.

Organisers wish to advise the public that the terrain is unsuitable for small children and strollers.

JOINT BUS-FERRY PASSES LAUNCHED TRA Joint bus-ferry passes launched Locals and visitors alike can now purchase public transportation passes which can be used on both buses and ferries.

The Transport Ministry announced yesterday that the new three- and seven-day passes are available at the Bus Terminal, Visitors Service Bureau and the social desks at all major hotels. They can also be purchased at the Central Bus Terminal on Palmetto Road in Devonshire.

Priced at $17.50 for three days and $27 for seven, they are interchangeable and allow unlimited travel on buses and ferries.

BRAZEN HANDBAG SNATCH PROBED CRM Brazen handbag snatch probed Police are seeking a "nonchalant'' thief who snatched a visitor's handbag in broad daylight on Sunday.

The thief was wearing `some stocking-type headgear' when he grabbed the bag outside the Irish Linen Shop.

The victim had put the handbag inside a baby carriage she and another woman were pushing along Front Street near the Birdcage.

Police community relations officer, Sgt. John Dale said: "Quite nonchalantly a man picked the bag and walked off around the corner into Queen Street and towards the library.

"The brown leather handbag contained a wallet and $160 as well as other personal items.

"The ladies were unaware of the theft until they were told by another passer-by.'' Det. Con. Mike Chlebek of the Central CID would like to speak to witnesses, particularly the person who told the women. He can be contacted at 295-0011.

DOGS BANNED FROM BEACHES ALS Dogs banned from beaches Dogs are banned from Bermuda's beaches for six months starting from today.

The seasonal regulations of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks, mean that dogs are not permitted on the public beaches from April 1 to October 31.

Dogs are allowed in public parks, and in the dunes behind beaches but must be on a leash.

MAIL DAMAGED UPS Mail damaged A bag of air mail left on an Airport ramp during torrential rain on the weekend has been damaged, the Post Office reported yesterday.

The large batch of mail -- from the US, Canada and the United Kingdom -- was "wet and damaged'', a spokesman said.

Inquiries indicate the mail bag was left by airport handlers on a ramp during Sunday's heavy rains.