warned yesterday.

They said thieves were targeting residential and tourist properties -- particularly in the central and western parishes.

And they pointed a finger at the recent release from prison of several convicted and "non-rehabilitated'' burglars and housebreakers.

The release on bail or licence of people who have committed serious burglaries was another factor behind the crime spree.

Police -- who are expected to release crime figures later this week -- warned Bermudians to be on their guard.

"This trend is not new, and is not meant to be alarmist,'' said Police spokeswoman Evelyn James Barnett.

"But it should serve to warn members of the public to be on the alert to such activity, and to ensure that their properties are secure during the day and night and to report any suspicious behaviour to Police immediately.'' A Sandys woman returned to her Woodlawn home early yesterday morning from a party to find her $1,200 stereo set had been stolen. She was out of her house between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 5 a.m. on Sunday, Police said.