handbag snatch early yesterday afternoon, Police said.

The man was arrested at 2 p.m. yesterday and is also being questioned about a series of similar incidents over the last few days, Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning said.

The announcement came after Police appealed to livery cycle businesses to advise cycle renters to secure their belongings in the wake of 12 reports of handbag snatches in just three days.

Police are also seeking a suspect described as being in his 20s with a full beard and wearing a dark helmet. The man is believed to be riding a black Peugeot.

Recent incidents have included: A handbag snatch last night for which details were not available.

A female riding a livery cycle on Knapton Hill in Smith's Parish around 1.30 p.m. on Thursday reported that a man rode up behind her and tried to snatch a handbag from her rear basket, but was unsuccessful.

However, during the incident the woman lost control of the cycle and fell into the road. She was later taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

About 10.30 a.m. on Thursday a couple of cruise ship passengers, visiting on the Song of America , were riding along Harbour Road in Paget when someone rode up behind them and snatched a bag from their cycle before making a U-turn and riding off.

Two other passengers reported having bags snatched while walking on Rosemont Avenue off Pitts Bay Road.

A local woman told Police she was walking with a friend on Pitt's Bay Road around 6 p.m. on Thursday when a man on a motorcycle pulled her handbag from her shoulder, causing her to fall into the road. The man then rode off toward Rosemont Avenue.

P.c. Venning said Police encouraged victims of bag snatches, or any other type of crime, to make a note of the registration number when vehicles are involved.

He also said: "In view of the fact that livery cycles are being targeted, we all have a duty, both members of the public and cycle liveries, to advise tourists to secure their bags.

"After all, the people who mainly come into contact with tourists on a daily basis are at the cycle liveries and hotels.'' Police probe thefts P.c. Venning said it would also be a good idea for cycle livery companies to suggest to visitors who rent the scooters, which have a holding area under the seat, to secure their belongings there.

"That way it is out of sight,'' he added. "We would encourage livery cycle places, if they don't already, to find a way of communicating this advice to visitors.'' However, all the cycle rental companies contacted yesterday said they already had a policy of advising visitors about safety precautions.