Police thank public for speaking up and helping tackle local crime during week of action

Bedfordshire Police are thanking residents for sharing information and raising concerns to help tackle crime across the county during Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action (15–21 June).

Information provided by the public is vital in helping community policing teams address the crimes that matter most to local people.

Last year alone, more than 10,000 intelligence reports were submitted, with over 2,000 relating to antisocial behaviour (ASB) and more than 3,000 linked to drug supply.

This intelligence supported 1,155 arrests made by local policing teams for a range of offences, including ASB, drug-related crime and theft.

During the national week of action, community officers will be carrying out targeted operations and increased patrols across Bedfordshire to detect and deter crime.

Policing teams in the north, south and central areas carry out dedicated visible patrols, alongside regular engagement events such as “Coffee with a Cop”. These initiatives provide opportunities for residents to speak directly with officers and influence local policing priorities.

Community feedback remains at the heart of neighbourhood policing, ensuring resources are focused on the issues affecting each area most.

Over the past year, a number of proactive operations have delivered strong results:

• Operation Rovik, targeting known offenders and crime hotspots, resulted in four arrests in one evening. While eight stop searches led to the seizure of knives, Class A drugs, cash and multiple mobile phones, including a suspected deal line.
• Operation Scoot, focused on nuisance bikes and illegal e-scooters, has led to the seizure of more than 100 e-scooters in Luton alone.
• Operation Vadar, aimed at tackling persistent offending, saw two teenagers arrested last week for offences including ASB, theft, assault and robbery.
• Operation Goldberry, targeting key offenders of anti-social behaviour in Willington, resulting in significant reductions in both crime and ASB

The force is also continuing to invest in prevention and early intervention. Nearly 13,000 children and young people have engaged in police-led educational sessions delivered by the Bedfordshire Police’s Education and Diversion Team, while 99% of schools in the county are now signed up to receive digital safety lessons through Pol-Ed, a national online hub of resources designed to stop children becoming victims, or perpetrators of crime which was introduced in April 2024.

Neighbourhood teams have also issued a total of 48 Community Protection Notices and Warnings during the last 12 months alone.

Superintendent Tom Stean leading Bedfordshire Police’s Community Policing Teams said: “Neighbourhood policing is built on strong relationships with our communities, and the information we receive from the public is absolutely vital in helping us target the issues that matter most locally.

“During this week of action, we’re asking residents to continue working with us by sharing what they know and speaking to their local officers. Whether it’s concerns about antisocial behaviour, drug activity or other crime, every piece of information helps us build a clearer picture and take action.

“Our teams are out in the community every day, carrying out patrols, engaging with residents and tackling crime proactively. By working together, we can make our county safer for everyone.”

Supporting all communities remains a key priority. Since the Bedfordshire Community Cohesion Team began leading on hate crime, improved victim-focused work has increased positive outcomes from 13.25% to 21.25%.

John Tizard, Police and Crime Commissioner for the county added: “Neighbourhood policing is vital. It represents both soft and hard-edged policing. The teams as the interface with the community. They contribute to problem solving, crime prevention and building local relations with residents and businesses whilst arresting criminals, investigating crimes and gaining valuable intelligence.

“At this time of heightened community tensions, irresponsible provocation, and misinformation, Bedfordshire’s neighbourhood and community cohesion teams are playing an especially important role in offering visibility and reassurance.”

Safer communities start with you. Share what you know and help stop crime—report information online via the Bedfordshire Police website: Report | Bedfordshire Police

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and get involved by signing up to BedsConnected, which provides updates on local policing activity, crime prevention advice and upcoming events. Visit: https://www.bedsconnected.co.uk/#SignUp