attempted to rob a driver and another fled without paying the fare.

The taxi driver was treated for bites to his hand after his fare tried to rob him at Rec View Hill in Devonshire at about 11 p.m. on Friday, Police said.

"Neighbours came to the assistance of the driver after hearing his cry for help.'' The passenger, who the driver had picked up in Sandys, fled empty-handed, but without paying his fare.

There was another report on the weekend of a passenger fleeing a taxi before paying, Police said.

"Taxi drivers are being asked to be extra cautious with their paying passengers.

"We are urging drivers not to make change unless they have the passenger's money in hand. Try not to carry around large sums of money, keep money pouches or bags out of sight, and if your suspicions are raised, get a good look at the passenger and remember their outstanding features.

"It may be wise to carry some type of warning or alarm device.'' Also on the weekend: Visitors were again victimised when a thief stole a woman's handbag on Friday night.

Two visitors on a moped were travelling west on South Road when a man rode from behind them and snatched the lady's handbag out of the cycle basket, Police said.

He escaped with a small amount of cash and other personal items at about 10.30 p.m.

"Although the victims were not hurt, they were quite disturbed by the incident,'' Police spokesman Sgt. Roseanda Jones said.

A 51-year-old Smith's man was arrested late on Saturday afternoon after merchandise was stolen from a department store on Reid Street.

He was later bailed and charges had not been laid yesterday.

A large amount of tools and equipment were reported stolen from the maintenance shed of a Southampton hotel overnight on Friday.

A Homelite lawnmower sand weed whacker, a green Black and Decker finishing sander, a pin changer used for making golf green holes, and an assortment of tools were stolen.

Detectives investigating would like anyone with information to contact the Western CID office at 234-1010.

Firefighters were called to St. James Court in Flatts at about noon yesterday to rescue two people trapped in an elevator.

Firefighters used a special key to open the elevator and free the pair.

They were not injured.