The Bermuda Police Service is suspending front counter services at the Southside, Somerset and Airport police stations — but a spokesman said the move would “not affect normal police functions in either the western or eastern areas, in any way”.

Police responded to concerns on social media that eastern and western stations were being “closed”, saying officers would continue to work from the stations as normal — with the exception of the airport station, where repairs are needed.

The move is in response to the low number of inquiries fielded from the public at each location.

A statement continued: “The overwhelming majority of our initial customer services are provided by e-mail or over the telephone. It has become an inefficient use of civilian station duty officers to keep three police stations open 24/7 with very little use of their services.”

The officers will be transferred to Hamilton Police Station, where the front counter will be open round the clock for public access.

Airport officers will work from Southside Police Station.

The spokesman said the stations would still be available to the public by appointment, such as to make statements or to hand over found property.

A phone box at each front door with give “immediate access to the 24/7 911 emergency dispatchers at COMOPS in Prospect”, and phone inquiries will continue to be answered as usual.

The spokesman said a full statement would be issued when changes came into effect, likely before the end of the month.

The Royal Gazette sent queries about the move to Jeffrey Baron, the Minister of National Security, whose press officer referred us to police for comment.