Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has praised the early results of a summer-long crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Bedford town centre, at a meeting with Mayor Tom Wootton and members of his Cabinet this morning.
John Tizard said the Safer Streets, Safer Town Centre initiative, part of a Home Office-funded programme running through July to September, had already delivered “visible policing, intelligence-led operations, and meaningful engagement” with communities.
Data compiled by Bedfordshire Police and Bedford Borough Council for July show a reduction in recorded anti-social behaviour incidents compared to the same period last year.
The figures also include:
- 121 fines issued for anti-social behaviour
- Three fixed penalty notices for street drinking and public nuisance
- Over 200 public and business engagements
- A series of “Days of Action” resulting in arrests, drug and weapon seizures, and community protection notices
The summer plan sits under the banner of #TogetherForBedfordshire. A county-wide campaign that brings police, local councils, community groups, and the Police and Crime Commissioner together to tackle seasonal rises in crime and anti-social behaviour.
The initiative has focused on key hotspots including St Peter’s Green, Dane Street and the bus station.
A dedicated e-scooter operation, Operation Topaz, also resulted in one seizure and several riders being warned or dealt with for offences including lack of insurance.
Read: Bedfordshire Police face criticisms head on with launch of Summer Policing Plan
The PCC said: “Bedford town centre is important for the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of the borough.
“This summer, a dynamic partnership between the local police, council, businesses and community groups has helped reclaim the High Street for residents, workers and visitors.
“We would now like to see more investment and services from Bedford Borough Council to help bolster efforts to improve community safety.”
More work needed
While acknowledging more work is needed, Mr Tizard said the results showed “what can be achieved with determined leadership and a shared commitment by political leaders, police and council officers.”
The initiative followed a spike in anti-social behaviour in May 2024, according to data from the OPCC. That figure was reduced by 61.8% by September, following targeted interventions.
This year, with the summer initiative in place, recorded anti-social behaviour in May, June, and July is down 14.8% compared to the same period last year.
Across all monthly recorded crime types, Bedford Borough has seen an average 12% drop between 2024 and 2025.
The Safer Streets programme will continue throughout September, with key elements expected to remain in place over the coming months.
