THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9: Businesses at the western end of the Island have joined together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour there.

Representatives from the MarketPlace, White and Sons Ltd, Raynor’s Shell Service Station and Ceasar’s Pharmacy and the Bermuda Police Service announced the creation of the Western Business Watch at a press conference today.

Together, the businesses intend to share information about criminal activity such as shoplifters.

They also intend to enforce such rules as refusing service to people wearing helmets or hoods.

Pc Donville Yarde of the Western Community Action Team said partnerships like this between the community and the police are necessary to combat rising crime.

“These businesses are competing with each other but despite that they are saying they are unifying in the fight against crime and antisocial behavior,” he said.

For the full story, read tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.