POLICE returned to St. George's this week — but it will only be for the summer.St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey confirmed that one sergeant and six constables would move into the former Criminal Investigation Department offices above the town's post office tomorrow.

Ms Caisey said residents were grateful for the police return, especially in light of a sudden increase in crime in the area.

The St. George's Police Station has been closed for apparent renovations since January.

But rumours of its permanent closure have been rife since 2002 and Opposition Senator Kim Swan, who has lived in St. George's for more than 20 years, has been fighting for the return of a police presence since then.

While he welcomed the return of officers, he said he was still concerned that renovations had yet to begin at the boarded-up station.

"I urge Government to place the renovation of the St. George's Police Station on the front burner and be proactive," he said.

The return of Police to St. George's is seen as part of the Bermuda Police Service's "re-alignment initiative".

A spokesperson from the Bermuda Police Service added that the ongoing initiative will be unveiled fully at a later date.

He added: "However the Bermuda Police Service is currently looking at suitable locations for the Community Action Team officers to work out of in each of the three geographic areas - St. George's, Somerset and Hamilton."