young children may soon become kidnap targets for local Satanic cults.

"We have received many calls throughout the day about Satanic cults, and people wanting to know whether their children are safe,'' Police spokesman Sgt. John Dale said.

"It appears that someone might have started some rumour in the community which has spread like wildfire.'' "Whilst we are concerned by such a rumour,'' he added, "we can only urge parents to take the normal precautions and continue the same procedures they are accustomed to concerning the safety and well being of their children.'' Talk about Satanism on the Island resurfaced last month after the disappearance of four-year-old Chaona Woolridge of St. David's.

Chaona, who has Down's syndrome, has not been found since she was last seen by her parents around 10 a.m. on April 5.

During the investigation into Chaona's disappearance Police received reports that the little girl was kidnapped by Satanic worshippers.

But Supt. Campbell Simons, who led an extensive search of St. David's for three days after Chaona disappeared, said all the reports linked to Satanism proved negative.

And Sgt. Dale stressed that "we are not investigating any cult or anything to do with witch craft.'' "A cult is a system of religious worship and therefore in itself is not against the law,'' he said. "However, as in any religion or case, if offences against Bermuda Law are committed they will be dealt with accordingly.'' Satanic worship is not a new activity in Bermuda.

In 1989, this paper reported there could be as many as 12 Satanic covens on the Island, involving children aged 14 and up in a variety of rites including the drinking of animal blood, animal sacrifice and homosexual activity.

And only recently an alleged Satanic worshipper told The Royal Gazette there were covens in every parish, with Somerset having the largest -- about 50 members. She claimed they meet monthly under a full moon, partaking in satanic rituals.

A Police source said yesterday: "I'm sure it is practised here but there is nothing we can do unless there is illegal activity.

"We have interviewed people whose names came up. But there was nothing that indicated criminal activity had taken place.''