Gazette survey indicates.

A recent spate of rapes, attempted rapes and reports of women being molested on the streets of Hamilton have stirred fears among the Island's female population.

Almost every women who spoke to the newspaper yesterday expressed serious concerns about their everyday safety from men. All of them thought crimes against women were becoming more prevalent.

One woman during the lunchtime poll admitted she had a can of Mace -- a banned substance -- in her home for protection.

Another, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Just from reading the stories in the newspaper, I'm getting more paranoid.'' Student Ms Judy Robinson said: "I feel a little less safe than I used to.

Especially after what I heard on the news the other day about what happened on the beach.'' Ms Robinson was referring to Tuesday's armed robbery of two American visitors on Elbow Beach. Two men threatened the couple with a machete and a stick, then made off with a purse containing $60.

Travel agent Ms Christine Dawson said that when she first arrived on the Island three years ago, she felt more secure. She now avoids isolated areas of the public park where she sometimes has lunch.

"I definitely don't go anywhere alone a night,'' she added.

Bank researcher Mrs. Sadie York, who also avoids walking alone after dusk, said that women these days are more conscious of their surroundings.

"If you hear somebody walking nearby,'' she said, "you always look to see who it is.'' Several of the married women interviewed said they don't venture out in the evenings unless they are accompanied by their husband. Those that do, avoid walking or riding motorbikes, preferring instead the protection of a car.

Travel agent Ms Sheila Aguiar told The Royal Gazette that she takes added precautions even when driving.

"I lock the car doors when I'm driving.'' she said."There's just too many fools out there.'' She also took a shot at the justice system, saying that once caught, offenders get "a slap on the hand'' from the courts while "the woman is made to feel like she's the bad one''.

Mrs. Winnie Smith said that at night, she's either locked in her car or her house.

"You're afraid to even go out anymore.''she said.

Mrs. Smith also believes better street lighting could improve the situation, especially around the Bermudiana Road area in Hamilton.

A 25-year-old Pembroke woman was molested by two teenagers near Bermudiana Road on August 28. Joeshon Russell, 17, who has pleaded guilty to the offence, told Police he and his friend stopped their attack only because they were approaching well-lit areas.

Calling the incident "gross'', daycare superintendent Donna Joell said that "things have changed a lot'' on the Island.

"I don't think I would go to town alone (at night) these days.'' she said.

Mrs. Carol Tribley, bank teller, said the women that are being attacked may not be keeping their guard up.

"I'm always conscious of who's walking behind me,'' she said. "Generally, I think it's pretty good here.'' Several of the respondents said that while it was becoming necessary for them to be more alert, "it's better here than in the States''.

Ms Sheila Aguiar Mrs. Sadie York Mrs. Winnie Smith Ms Donna Joel Ms Christine Dawson Mrs. Carol Tribley Ms Judy Robinson.