which they were told to pay $1,500 for a replacement was recovered.

The bike was discovered just hours after the Mr. Ron Nesler and Mrs. Margaret Nesler left the Island, vowing never to return after they were literally forced to pay the price for Bermuda's chronic bike theft problem.

But the question remains, who should bear the price of Bermuda's rental cycle thefts? High premiums make theft insurance prohibitive for bike rental liveries which claim they would be forced to pass the cost onto customers causing rental rates to skyrocket and further contributing to Bermuda's pricey image.

Bike renters sign a contract admitting liability for the loss of the bike but few visitors take the time to read the conditions.

Agencies differ in the enforcement of the if-you-don't-lock-you-pay policy.

Oleander Cycles claim they have never made a customer pay for a stolen cycle.

They absorb the losses because the ill-will caused is bad for business.

But other agencies say customers who fail to lock their bikes must pay the value of the stolen bike if only to instil a sense of responsibility in their customers.

Mr. David Panchaud of Wheels Ltd. tells customers to report the theft of a bike to the Police themselves and help look for it.

"Their attitude is, `it's not mine so who cares','' he says.

Luckily his Peugeot rentals are presently unpopular with thieves, but thefts of bikes and helmets and the loss of revenue can cost dealers thousands of dollars annually.

Mr. Glen Cocuo is president and CEO of Astwood Cycles which has been particularly hard hit by theft. He claims the company loses up to $250,000 annually from theft.

Each year he replaces 20 percent of his fleet because of it. But the loss of just one bike in the summer season means a potential loss of up to $5,000 in revenue.

"That one bike could turn over a great deal of money,'' he said.

While he was genuinely sorry for visitors slapped with an additional holiday bill, he said he had a duty to his business and staff members.

"Do I tell them I can't afford to pay them because I feel sorry for a customer?'' he asked. "I do feel sorry for those people but I have a right to protect my business.

"We go out of our way to help the tourists. You want to make sure they have a good time and suffer no loss.'' But, he claims, they are neglecting their responsibility when they leave bikes unlocked.

However, customers who find their locked bikes stolen are not made to pay.

Manager at Elbow Beach Hotel cycle livery Mrs. Dolores Thomas said she sits her customers down and makes them read the contract from beginning to end.

"No-one leaves without first hand knowledge of all the pros and cons,'' she said. "Cycle shops are now making guests customers responsible for the bikes.'' Since she and her staff cracked down on customers, reminding them that they will be footing the bill for an unlocked cycle that disappears, thefts have dropped dramatically from 27 in 1994 to two so far this year.

Her real gripe was with the courts and slack law enforcement. While she commended the Police for their diligent work with the cycle shops, she claimed the courts let them down with "slap-on-the-wrist'' sentences for bike thieves.

"Unless the cycle shops are protected, we cannot afford to stay in business,'' she said.

Mr. Cuoco also called for tougher sentences and more Police presence on the roads. Parents also needed to become involved to prevent their children from committing bike theft.

"Cycle companies are going to be putting on the pressure,'' he warned.

after they had to reimburse a cycle livery for the theft of their bike. Just after their departure, the bike was retrieved and the livery has promised to reimburse them the full amount.