Businesses and hotels believe they’re winning the battle against crime in the Pitts Bay area after hiring a security van to patrol the streets.The Pitts Bay Community Watch was set up a year ago to make life safer for residents, staff and visitors following an increase in violent incidents in Pembroke.Funded by hotels and businesses including Rosedon, Fairmont Hamilton, BF&M and Bacardi, a Security Associates vehicle looks out for troublemakers that police might not have the resources to deal with.Rosedon general manager Muriel Richardson, who leads the group, explained: “We needed to bond together as a group to protect visitors and fellow workers that are travelling in the neighbourhood.“Pitts Bay Road has a lot of visitors going back and forth to offices and hotels and we had a number of incidents over the years. It’s absolutely critical that we make sure the environment is safe. People look for safe areas when they’re deciding where they are going on their holiday.“Bermuda has a reputation for being safe and we need to make sure it stays that way.”Ernest Paynter, of Security Associates, said the radio-equipped van, which has ‘Alarm and Response and Support Unit’ on its sides, acts as a deterrent by approaching when people are acting suspiciously, and has also helped move on vagrants.“That was a bit of a hot spot for robberies, but people say it feels a lot safer in the area now,” said Mr Paynter.The group says Security Associates has effectively become the eyes and ears for police by linking up with Community Action Teams.A statement from the Community Watch said similar programmes could now be started in other areas where groups have identified the need.