#TogetherForBedfordshire: the safer streets summer campaign gathers pace

The high-visibility policing operation keeping town centres in Bedfordshire safe over the summer period is in full swing, with engagement and enforcement taking place across the county.

The Safer Streets Summer Initiative is part of a national campaign emphasising community policing, with every neighbourhood now having a named and contactable officer.

The countywide collaboration, which started on 30 June, has already resulted in Bedfordshire Police making more than 100 arrests

Last month a three-day operation in Luton showcased the visible results of the neighbourhood policing guarantee. Operation Rovik targeted robbery and drug-related crime through high-visibility patrols and plain clothes operations. Officers from the force’s Community Enforcement Team made five arrests and recovered four knives. In total 58 arrests and six knives have been seized in the town since the summer initiative was launched.

Chief Superintendent Jaki Whittred, who oversees community policing for Bedfordshire Police, said: “Neighbourhood policing remains at the heart of our commitment to keeping Bedfordshire safe. Our named officers, made up of dedicated PCs and PCSOs, are embedded in communities across our towns and villages.

“Their contact details are now easily accessible via our website, and residents can see the real difference these teams

are making every day by following their local Community Policing Facebook page or joining BedsConnected.

“Through our regular engagements with residents, businesses, and local groups, we’re ensuring that local priorities such as tackling anti-social behaviour, drug-related crime or retail theft are being addressed. Our officers are working closely #TogetherForBedfordshire with our partners including the Police and Crime Commissioner and local authorities to deliver lasting solutions that reflect what matters most to the public we serve.

“This summer, our Safer Streets initiative is delivering targeted patrols during peak times in town centres. This has resulted in more than 100 arrests, 61 stop and searches and 169 fines issued all in relation to drug and ASB related crimes. High-visibility patrols are already helping to reduce crime and increase public confidence, making our streets safer for everyone, whether you're socialising, shopping, commuting or working.”

As part of its commitment to neighbourhood policing and tackling anti-social behaviour, the government has guaranteed the force will receive an additional 38 community policing officers by spring next year, part of a 3,000 strong uplift of officers and PCSOs in neighbourhood policing across all police forces in England and Wales.

John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: “This summer, we are beginning to see the difference a visible policing presence on our streets can make. By stepping up patrols, and working closely with our community partners the early results indicate that we are seeing promising results.

“In towns like Luton, where there is a genuine partnership, the impact has been clear – with more officers on the ground, strong local engagement, and targeted action.

“I’m committed to ensuring this work maintains momentum across the county over the summer.”

You can find your local officer on the Bedfordshire Police website: https://www.beds.police.uk/. That’s also the place to report ASB.