The Hillsborough Police Department has started a new team to fight crime in three specific communities in the southern part of the town.

The department has started a new effort called a "Problem Solving Team" for Coachwood Apartments, Gateway Village, and Ashford Lakes. Officer Elizabeth Willoughby said crimes like breaking and enterings, trespassing and even littering have been big concerns for residents in those apartment complexes.

"We've seen citizen complaints from that area and we'd like it to be a safer happier place for people to be," she said.

To do that, police have increased their presence, making sure there's enough lighting, and enforcing no trespassing ordinances. Bonnie Keeton, a Coachwood resident, has already noticed the difference.

"I like the police coming around here all the time," she said. "It makes you feel secure."

Another goal of the team is to work closely with the management of the different apartment complexes to get their input on challenges they face and figure out ways to help.

Frank Cohen, Coachwood site manager, said he's glad not only are the police stepping up, the tennants are getting involved, too.

"They're happy we're on top of it," he said. "They assist by calling police when they're may be an issue."

The team will meet once a month to evaulate its progress and talk about how things are going.