disturbing the scene of a crime.

They say they often get to a crime scene only to find vital evidence has been destroyed in a clean-up.

"As distressing as it may be, we would encourage people to preserve the scene exactly as it was found until a thorough forensic examination can be performed,'' said Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning.

"In other words, don't touch anything and prevent others from doing so. This will greatly help the investigation and may help to apprehend the offender and recover any stolen property.'' RINGS STOLEN FROM SHELLY BAY HOME CRM Rings stolen from Shelly Bay home A daylight thief has got away with $2,000 worth of gold rings from a Shelly Bay home, Police reported yesterday.

The raider forced his way into the house and took three rings, one a wedding band with six diamonds across the top, one a signet ring with black onyx and three diamond chips, and one a signet ring inscribed "DC''.

Detectives at Eastern CID (phone 297-0377) are investigating the theft.

About 500 new Craftsman tools, still in plastic wrapping, have been stolen from a Quarry Lane, Warwick office. They were in a blue and white toolbox with "Sears'' clearly displayed.

Central CID officers (295 0011) are investigating.

BOAT `BORROWER' IN HOT WATER CTS Boat `Borrower' in hot water It was anything but plain sailing when Heinz Stuhlpfarrer borrowed a boat.

The 29-year-old was approached by Marine Police, and the white 20-foot boat turned out to be unregistered.

Sgt. Kenrick James, prosecuting, told Magistrates' Court yesterday Stuhlpfarrer was caught half a mile off Daniel's Head on March 10.

Stuhlpfarrer told Marine Police he had only borrowed the boat, which had not been registered since 1988, added Sgt. James.

Stuhlpfarrer was fined $50 after admitting the offence.

PROSECUTOR MOVES AG Prosecutor moves One of the youngest members of the Attorney General's Chambers has moved to private practice.

Mr. Mark Pettingill sees his move to Smith, Barnard & Diel's litigation department as a senior associate attorney as "a challenge''.

The 29-year-old said he had been unable to meet all his legal interests -- such as matrimonial law -- in the Attorney General's chambers and had therefore decided to move.

He spent two years as a member of the AG's Chambers, his last 12 months as a Crown Counsel.

He said: "As far as any young advocate is concerned there is no better training than being there.'' Mr. Pettingill said he believed the idea that he was "changing sides'' was a misapprehension.

He said: "I have always regarded the practice of law as just that. It is not about taking sides.

"No matter what you do, whether prosecution or defence, you do your best within the law, being honest and ethical. You do everything by the book.'' MAN LOCKED IN FIR Man locked in The Bermuda Fire Service were called to free someone who was locked inside an apartment on Tuesday afternoon.

One truck and five firefighters were called to the Cable & Wireless apartments in Devonshire at 3.42 p.m., a spokesman said. The man escaped before the Fitefighters arrived.

COSTLY BEER CTS Costly beer The TV ads claim Guinness is good for you, but labourer Richard Williams may have a different message.

For Police caught the 23-year-old supping the drink in Court Street in the early hours of April 11.

And yesterday he was fined $100 at Magistrates' Court after admitting drinking liquor in public.

Williams, of Tribe Road, Paget, had the drink concealed in a brown paper bag, said Sgt. Kenrick James, prosecuting.