areas manned by security guards.

The idea is being scrutinised by a Police task force set up to stem the wave of thefts.

Also involved in the talks are insurance companies and the Corporation of Hamilton.

The discussions come amid continuing concern over a crime which Police say has reached epidemic proportions.

In 1994, close to 2,500 cycles were stolen -- making it the worst year the Island had experienced. The total value of the haul came to over $3.8 million.

Assistant Police Commissioner Mr. Wayne Perinchief, who is heading the task force, said the number of bike thefts shot up from 1,284 to 2,532 -- almost 100 per cent -- between 1993 and 1994.

Yesterday, Corporation of Hamilton secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt said special parking areas were one idea under consideration.

These would probably be closed-in and manned by a security guard, although not necessarily covered.

"They would definitely be an area difficult to get at,'' said Mr. Sherratt.

He added: "There is no crime currently that compares with bike theft -- it is the single biggest problem, and the Corporation is certainly very concerned.'' Police spokeswoman Insp. Roseanda Jones said Mr. Perinchief's task force had been looking at special devices to beat thieves -- such as the `Tracker' detection system in the UK.

This is a remote-control device concealed in a car which can send out a signal to Police, enabling them to pinpoint where it is.

A letter-writer to The Royal Gazette this week suggested Police use the "tried and tested'' system in Bermuda.

Insp. Jones, however, pointed out the "Tracker'' system had only been designed for cars -- manufacturers were not prepared to extend it to motorbikes.

"The task force is definitely trying to come up with strategies to address the problem of cycle theft.

"It is quite likely secure parking areas for cycles could be set up.'' Anyone with possible solutions to the problem should contact Chief Inspector Phil Every on 295-0011.

Mr. Sherratt said the Corporation was involved in discussions with the Police.

And the Mayor of Hamilton the Rt. Wor. William Boyle was due to meet Police Commissioner Mr. Colin Coxall to review crime in the City.

Mr. Sherratt pointed out the Corporation had already installed security bars at various cycle parking areas as an experiment.

"We haven't had one report of a cycle stolen after it has been locked to a security bar.

"It must be said, however, very few people are taking advantage of it. Even though bike theft is a problem, many cyclists don't seem to be aware of the depth of it.

"This crime is a problem which is going to have to be fought on many fronts.'' Insurers have repeatedly voiced concern at the scale of the problem.

Last year was the worst one for Colonial Insurance -- which insured the bulk of those cycles stolen.

The number of thefts sent insurance premiums sky high, and at one stage the company gave up insuring bikes.

Colonial's General Manager Mr. William Madeiros urged the public to get their bikes U-Marked.

He also appealed for bikers to lock their cycles and report anything suspicious to the Police.