Police have stepped up visible patrols in Luton town centre this summer, making more than 50 arrests and seizing knives as part of a major government-backed push to restore neighbourhood policing.
The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee means every area in Bedfordshire now has a named and contactable officer, with residents able to raise concerns directly. Regular public meetings are also taking place, alongside a dedicated antisocial behaviour (ASB) lead for the county.
The changes form part of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at ending what ministers call the “postcode lottery” of policing and bringing officers back to high streets. Bedfordshire Police will get 38 more neighbourhood officers by spring next year, as part of a national recruitment of 3,000 officers and PCSOs.
The Safer Streets Summer Initiative, launched on 30 June, has already led to more than 100 arrests across the county, including 58 in Luton. Police have seized six knives in the town, carried out 61 stop and searches, issued 169 fines and undertaken more than 1,200 community engagements.
Last month, Operation Rovik — a three-day targeted operation in Luton — focused on robbery and drug-related crime using high-visibility patrols and plain clothes teams. Officers arrested five people and seized £1,000 in cash, four knives and drugs.
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 over 100 arrests, 61 stop and searches, 72 Public Spaces Protection Orders and 169 fines issued. These 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.”
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard 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.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Communities are sick of the antisocial behaviour and shop theft blighting their town centres. There are too many neighbourhoods across the country who simply do not feel safe.
“A connection between the police and public has been lost for too long but restoring visible officers to our streets and giving communities a proper named contact will rebuild those bonds with the communities they serve.
“The work forces have done so far under this government’s Plan for Change to restore trusted neighbourhood policing is already making a clear difference. We are now ending the postcode lottery of policing and ensuring every single community has a voice to make their streets safer.”
Luton Council says it is working closely with police and other partners to keep the town centre safe, particularly during its busy summer events programme.
Mark Fowler, Chief Executive of Luton Council, said: “This summer Luton town centre is hosting a number of events – from live sport on big screens to family-friendly experiences. Thanks to genuine partnership working between the council, police, Luton BID and education and cultural providers, we’re making sure the events are a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
“This joined-up approach builds on the work already being done by the Town Centre Taskforce, with a strong emphasis on policing and enforcement, with Bedfordshire Police and the council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team patrols working together to cover hot spot areas and provide a more visible presence.
“We are tackling the issues that matter most to residents and visitors and the early results are promising – with 1,130 hours of patrol time by our teams, 256 fixed penalty notices for littering and 99 for various breaches of the PSPO. It shows that when we work side by side, we can keep our busy town centre secure while giving people more to do, more to enjoy, and more reasons than ever to visit.”
Residents can find their local named officer by visiting the Bedfordshire Police website, which also provides details on reporting antisocial behaviour. Updates on local priorities are also shared on Community Policing Facebook pages and through BedsConnected.
