As summer arrives, bringing longer days and bustling town centres, Bedfordshire Police has launched its Summer Policing Plan that will see a greater police presence in Bedford.
Bedfordshire police plan to enhance officer presence in five town centres, including Bedford. Others include Luton, Bury Park, Leighton Buzzard, and Biggleswade.
The plan was officially unveiled on Monday, 30 June, at the Bedford Borough Hub, the former Debenhams building in the centre of Bedford town.
#TogetherForBedfordshire
The launch gathered senior police officers and council leaders, but also echoes concern that Bedford has been overlooked until now.
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 aims to increase police visibility, strengthen ties with local residents and businesses, and ensure a response tailored to the distinct needs of each area, from busy town centres to rural villages.
Chief superintendent Jaki Whittred, who leads Bedfordshire’s Neighbourhood Policing team, said the force was taking an intelligence-led, flexible approach.
“We know that town centres can see a rise in offences such as theft, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour during the summer months,” she said.
“That’s why we’re focusing on a strong, visible presence in these areas, working hand-in-hand with our partners to reassure the public and crack down on the types of criminality that can impact local businesses and residents.”
While much of the focus will be on urban hotspots, Bedfordshire Police stressed that rural areas remain a priority, with specialist teams like the Rural Crime Action Team addressing issues unique to more remote communities.
The force will also work with the three local authorities and support networks as part of the campaign, emphasising that public safety is a shared responsibility and encouraging communities to work with the police to help build stronger, safer neighbourhoods.
Plan promises
At the launch, superintendent Hob Hoque said the summer initiative will prioritise “visibility within our town centres” with more officers dedicated to tackling shoplifting, retail crime, and anti-social behaviour.
Mayor Wootton (Conservative) echoed that Bedford is now “on the way up,” and residents should “start to notice a difference” in the town that’s “long been the poor relation.”
PCC Tizard emphasised that crime statistics are less important than public confidence: “If people don’t feel safe, that doesn’t make a great deal of difference,” he said.
He also stressed the need for longer-term planning, saying the programme must “continue beyond this three‑month summer period” and solidify collaboration between the police and the council.
Communications gap
Superintendent Hoque acknowledged that the force’s communication strategy, primarily via Facebook and their website, may miss the younger audience.
“The education diversion team… will be working with outreach workers and other organisations who work with young people,” adding that no school visits can take place over the summer holiday.
But a local business owner at the launch said they’ve already seen improvements. “Something has been done… done quickly, nicely,” they told the Bedford Independent.
However, backing up community concerns, both Mayor Wootton and Cllr Frost said that confidence has been eroded by years of under-resourcing, under-reporting of shoplifting, and a lack of deterrents, the issues the new plan now aims to tackle.
Backcrop of criticism
Bedfordshire Police have been criticised in recent weeks, with politicians, business owners, and residents complaining that not enough is being done to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Bedford Borough Cllr Marc Frost (Wixams and Wilstead) warned that “crime in Bedford is spiralling” and accused the force of “underplaying the town’s drug problem,” stating public confidence in safety is waning.
Previously, Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) described the town centre as “under siege,” citing rampant shoplifting, aggressive begging, and riders flouting rules on e‑scooters and e‑bikes.
Read: Mayor says Bedford town centres ‘under siege’ by crime in letter to police chief constable
His pointed criticism prompted a public rebuke from Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard, who said the mayor’s tone was “wrong and damaging” and urged a collaborative approach.
At the launch, Mayor Tom Wootton agreed, “The best way to fight crime and tackle anti-social behaviour is by everyone working together and by listening to our communities.
“We know that our towns, our borough, and our county are fantastic places to live, work and socialise, and we’re determined to keep them that way.”
Update: This article was updated at 11:45 on 3 July 2025 to add further information about the summer policing plan, which encourages multiple agencies and organisations to work together for crime prevention.
