St George’s will see a stepped up police presence for the America’s Cup and summer season.

Mayor Quinell Francis said corporation leadership was working with the Bermuda Police Service to “ensure we have a safe town”.

“Recent meetings with BPS senior personnel have assured us that the BPS will provide additional resources during this upcoming season,” she said.

A string of crimes in the East End this month has renewed questions about safety in the community, as well as renewed calls by some for a larger law enforcement contingent.

The mayor described the recent “frequent incidents of crime” as “quite disappointing”.

The main policing issue in the town was enforcement, Ms Francis said.

“Local businesses and residents are constantly noting that there need to be more foot patrols in the historic town, and more patrols throughout the neighbourhoods,” she said.

Some community members have also pointed to the promised expansion of the island’s CCTV system as a possible deterrent to crime.

“We have been told that the CCTV coverage is coming and that patrols are done as often as possible as resources are low,” the mayor said.

Senator Renee Ming, Shadow Minister of Municipalities, said last Friday’s incident — when a man was attacked while using a cash machine — represented a “frightening escalation of lawlessness”.

The recent crimes, she said in a statement released yesterday, were a “clear sign” that the current approach to law enforcement was not working, and that “criminals are getting bolder”.

Ms Ming pointed to a constituent who she said had to call the Somerset station after being unable to reach anyone at the Southside station, only to then be transferred back to Southside, where the call ultimately went unanswered.

The non-emergency call, she said, was to report suspicious activity in the East End. “This is unacceptable and is symbolic of the neglect of St George’s,” she said.

The senator called for “visible, regular and consistent” police foot patrols, and the full implementation of the promised CCTV system in the parish.

Ms Francis said that despite the spate of recent incidents, St George’s was a safe place.

“However, we need to continue to work with the BPS to ensure that all feel safe,” she said.

“BPS being more visible would be a start.”

A police spokesman stressed that police had responded quickly to reports of an incident on Water Street last Friday, when a man was attacked while using an ATM.

“Contrary to statements made today, the Bermuda Police Service can report that the first call about the disturbance on Water Street was received at 1.06pm,” he said. “The call was dispatched at 1.08pm and the first police unit arrived three minutes later at 1.11pm.

“On arrival, the officers found that the combatants had left the area. After conducting further inquiries we believe that two male family members, who have since been identified, were involved in a physical dispute.

“It now appears the other men who got involved were attempting to stop the scuffle.

“There were no serious injuries reported and police continue making inquiries.”

Witnesses are asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department on 247-1744.