New Anti-Social Behaviour Patrols Launched to Boost Safety in Bedford Town Centre

Bedford Borough Council has launched a new initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre, funded through Bedfordshire Police and the Home Office.

The scheme, which will run until March 2026, will see dedicated ASB officers carrying out daily foot patrols and engaging with local residents, businesses, students and visitors.

The officers are employed through an external provider and will focus on reassurance and visibility rather than enforcement. They are not paid commission for issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). Their role includes community engagement, pop-up advice sessions, and reporting environmental issues.

Working closely with police and council teams, the ASB officers will help identify and address issues within designated hotspot areas. They can be easily recognised by their uniforms and high-visibility jackets marked ‘ASB officer’, along with a Bedford Borough Council badge and ID card.

The scheme will operate alongside the council’s existing borough-wide enforcement officers, who are responsible for enforcing Public Space Protection Orders and issuing FPNs for issues such as littering and dog fouling. These officers also do not receive commission for FPNs.

Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said:

“We are committed to making Bedford town centre a safer and more welcoming place. This grant-funded initiative enables us to add visible uniformed anti-social behaviour officers to assist the council and partners by deterring anti-social behaviour through their regular presence and engagement with the community, by focusing on reassurance and support and working alongside our enforcement partners to maintain public safety.”

ASB officers will work in pairs across weekly shifts and will support the Public Spaces Protection Order by addressing issues including public drinking, begging, dangerous cycling, littering and other behaviour impacting safety and perceptions of safety in the town centre.

The entire scheme is fully funded by the grant, meaning there is no additional cost to the council or to local taxpayers.