Seven tourists have now been attacked in the last ten days after two elderly Americans were robbed and assaulted on Wednesday.

And speaking to yesterday, Tourism Minister Ewart Brown condemned the incidents as "dastardly acts of violence", calling on the Police to show vigilance in tracking down the perpetrators.

"The Government spends millions of dollars trying to attract people to Bermuda and these sorts of actions defeat the purpose of our mission," he said.

On Wednesday a 72-year-old American woman was walking along Mullet Bay Road in St. George's when a hooded man described as being six fee tall and approximately 200 pounds lunged towards her and snatched her purse.

In the resulting struggle the woman was thrown to the ground and the thief made off with about $700 in cash.

And in a separate incident on the same day, a 63-year old American woman had a plastic bag containing some cash, personal items and a cellular phone snatched on Tween Walls Road in Sandys by a man driving past on a motorcycle.

The culprit was riding a dark coloured bike and is of medium build with a beard who Police believe to be in his 40s.

But while conceding the recent spike in tourist attacks was concerning, Police media spokesman Dwayne Caines said it was important to put the incidents in context and for the community and tourists a like not to become overly-alarmed.

"We will do everything we can to ensure the recent spike in incidents against tourists does not become a trend," he said. "But it is important to point out that we have on average only five reported incidents involving tourists every year out of a rough total of 450,000 visitors to Bermuda.

"Over the last two years we have had 44 reported incidents of handbag snatches, only eleven of which involved tourists.

"So statistically the perception that thieves are increasingly targeting tourists and that Bermuda is becoming a more dangerous place for visitors is just not borne out. Nevertheless we intend to catch the culprits of these recent acts and bring them to justice."

Five women ? including one who is pregnant ? were robbed and beaten last week in two separate attacks, with pictures run on the front page of on April 29 showing Canadians Anna Arrunda and Maria Morsillo with extensive bruising to their faces.

In response, Police have announced the creation of a new Tourist Crime Unit to help patrol popular tourist spots during the busy summer months.

"As we are all aware, the tourist season is now upon us," a statement released yesterday reads.

"As a result Police have stepped up patrols in vulnerable areas around the Island where the tourists frequent. A Tourist Crimes Unit has been established, to be proactive in dealing with persons who prey on visitors to our shores. We would also like members of the public to be on the look out for individuals who are acting suspiciously in and around tourist properties and public areas."

The TCU will compliment the Beach Squad Unit and the bicycle patrols in Dockyard and St. George's and will consist of two officers supplemented by one other in the months of July and August.

The TCU will start work immediately before the May 24 holiday and will be disbanded at the end of October.