visitors, stealing hundreds of dollars in holiday money from them.

Chief Justice, the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward declared: "An attack on tourists is an attack on society as a whole.'' Hilton J. W. Smith, 40, of St. David's Road admitted to breaking and entering the Grotto Bay Hotel, the St. George's Club and a residence between April and August this year stealing valuables and money worth more than $2,500.

The court heard how Smith entered one of the Grotto Bay Hotel rooms through an unlocked door and stole a wallet containing $350 belonging to Edward Conceneau. The total value was $390.

Smith also admitted breaking into another room at the hotel occupied by Steven Ross, and stealing a wallet containing $50, and a lady's pouch containing glasses and valuables worth $390.

Between August 1 and 2 Smith stole two wallets containing $550 in cash and valuables with a total worth of $590, from a guest at the St. George's Club, the property of Peter Zeno.

On July 30 Smith broke into the home of Brett Wenger and stole property worth $25.

Smith was arrested on August 29 after a security guard found him lurking around a Grotto Bay Hotel room.

The guard approached and seized Smith until Police arrived and arrested him on suspicion of prowling.

While in Police custody Smith told Police he had broken into several hotel rooms and said he only wanted the cash. Credit cards and other personnel items were found about the hotel property.

Yesterday, Crown Counsel Mr. Brian Calhoun said Smith had an atrocious criminal record concerning breaking and entering on hotel properties dating back to the 1970s.

And he had received a six-year prison sentence for breaking and entering in 1986.

He added: "Smith may think he is targeting tourists but his fellow Bermudians are also being targeted, as tourism is the Island's main industry.'' Before being sentenced, Smith's lawyer, Mr. Tim Marshall, asked that five similar charges be taken into account.

He added: "Smith was arrested on a prowling charge and decided to wipe the slate clean and confess to the matters before you.

"There have been three time periods in this man's life where he has offended.

It is not constant criminal activity. I would describe it as sporadic.'' Mr. Marshall also said: "A gambling addiction led him to commit these crimes, and he wants to come to terms with his addiction.'' He added that there were no treatment programmes for gambling addicts in the Westgate Correctional facility or elsewhere.

When asked if he had anything to say Smith replied: "I offer my apologies to the families of those I stole from. I know it's caused them a great deal of grief to have someone come in and steal their property.

"Because of what I have done, my wife now has the responsibility of raising our children alone.'' Mr. Ward sentenced Smith to five years in prison and said time spent in custody will be taken into account.