the weekend.

And business and private security company managers say the problem is common and makes the innocent suffer for the guilty.

In one incident, a Reid Street clothing store assistant was seen serving a customer and then pocketing the cash rather than placing the money in the cash register.

In the other, a Hamilton photography store assistant was spotted removing $150 from the cash register and placing it in a clothing pocket.

Bill Black, president of Bermuda Security Group, said the problem was huge and claimed he was surprised local businesses could stay afloat.

"A good many companies conceal cameras but they don't tell staff,'' Mr. Black said. "I have been in this business 30 years and I'm surprised they stay in business.'' Bermuda Security Group operates Bermuda Central Station, which installs security and surveillance systems, and Island Wide Security, which investigates criminality.

Mr. Black said his company often had four to six investigations running at any one time.

He said there were a variety of methods for catching crooked employees, adding: "But nine tenths is from info from other staff that someone is dishonest.'' Rod Ferguson, manager of Gorham's Ltd., said thefts by staff was a "constant'' problem industry-wide, and his company insisted on prosecuting culprits.

He added: "We advertise that our shop floor is monitored by having a camera in the cash register area. We also have the capacity to tape several cameras at one time.'' Making Waves co-owner Stuart Joblin said he trusted his staff and said cameras in his stores were installed to protect them during potential robberies.

"It's a matter of time before robbers will try a Front Street store,'' he said. "I'm sure theft by staff goes on around Hamilton, but it's a minority.'' Mr. Black summed up the thefts: "The businesses lose money and time taking the dishonest people to court and then you see them working in another place.'' CRIME CRM