By Marcus Day The crime wave has forced a radical rethink of the overseas promotion of Bermuda.

Government has announced the Island can no longer be plugged so heavily as a safe destination.

"We don't want to be accused of false advertising,'' said Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge.

Mr. Woolridge said advertising had historically boasted of five qualities in Bermuda.

"These were the Island's beauty, the friendliness of the people, our closeness to the United States, our safety, and our Britishness,'' he said.

"Now, however, as a result of the recent spate of crime we will be soft-pedalling the safety part of the advertising.

"We will do so until we can come to grips with crime, even though Bermuda is still one of the safest countries in the world.'' Mr. Woolridge said the changes would be reflected in the new advertising campaign next year.

He explained the ads would state that while Bermuda was relatively safe, visitors should take necessary precautions to safeguard belongings.

"It will be really a softening of the image of Bermuda as safe,'' Mr.

Woolridge said.

Crime wave forces a rethink in the promotion of Bermuda "The changes will be made in our print advertising which has always highlighted the Island's five qualities. Our television ads have tended not to do this so much.'' The move follows a spate of violent crime, including armed robberies and the recent Spinning Wheel Night Club double shooting in which two teenagers were injured by a gunman.

Statistics also show that handbag snatching -- in which visitors are frequently targeted -- has rocketed over the last year.

Mr. Woolridge said other measures had also been taken to warn visitors about crime.

Posters had been displayed at hotels urging guests to take necessary precautions, he explained.

And he added visitors at the Airport were being handed leaflets warning them to be wary of criminals.

The leaflets were being distributed along with other printed material about Bermuda.

Government, however, was anxious not to engage in "overkill'', said Mr.

Woolridge.

"What we don't want to do is cause panic. All we are doing is urging visitors to be sensible and exercise the same care and caution as they would at home.'' In the House of Assembly on Friday, Mr. Woolridge sent out an impassioned plea for criminals to change their ways.

He said crime presented a grave danger to the Island's economic health.

Pink Beach Club managing director Mr. W.A. (Toppy) Cowen said his guests were given a "need for safety'' notice.

The notice highlighted the fact Bermuda, in a magazine poll, was ranked third in a list of the world's top 10 islands.

And it pointed out safety was the number one priority of travellers.

"Bermuda has always projected that image and despite a recent spate of crimes we still believe it is true today.

"However, we can only `take a bite out of crime' if we all take precautions.

"With this in mind, it is extremely important that valuables and money should be kept in the room safe at all times.

"Safety deposit boxes are also available at the front desk.'' The notice urges guests to lock their sliding doors and windows before retiring for the evening, or when out.

It adds: "We want you to enjoy your vacation at Pink Beach and in Bermuda but precautions are necessary when riding bikes, retiring for the evening or going to places you wouldn't normally frequent while at home.''