An elderly woman who was threatened by a hammer-wielding thug has bemoaned the demise of Bermuda as a peaceful place to live.

The 71-year-old spoke in response to the soaring rate of violent crime which is now at its highest point in at least eight years. This newspaper reported earlier this month how a would-be robber set upon the senior and her 72-year-old husband while they were in their car in Devonshire on May 4.

He pushed a hammer through the driver's window and put his knife to the husband's throat demanding cash, before the couple ran into the main road to escape.

Such incidents are more rife now than at any other time on modern Police records, with 46 robberies and a further 13 attempts in the first three months of 2008 — up from 29 and three respectively in the corresponding period last year.

The victim told The Royal Gazette: "Of course, growing up in Bermuda as a child, Bermuda was a very peaceful place. Nobody locked their doors and windows and people just went about their business.

"With drugs, things have changed. I think drugs are at the bottom of all this."

She called for more to be done to crack down on violent crime, adding: "Attempted robbery in any other part of the world would be considered a serious offence.

"I'm absolutely traumatised like anybody in their right mind would be, and just thank God that we weren't hurt. I'm just so exhausted and tired of thinking about it and talking about it, mentally and physically."

Announcing the figures last week, Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Jackman said robberies were giving officers the most cause for concern.

Mr. Jackman said groups of young males were targeting individuals walking alone at night in areas near Hamilton's bars and clubs. Many of the victims have been wearing jewellery including chains costing up to $20,000.

In the first quarter of 2008, there were 105 recorded violent crimes, a 45 percent increase from the first quarter of 2007. The figure dwarfs all records dating back to 2001, with no statistics available for 2000 or earlier.

Public Safety Minister David Burch's press officer ignored our request for a comment last week and again yesterday.

The Opposition said it would be making a statement later in the week.