£7.7 million boost to tackle serious crime across Bedfordshire

John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner has secured £7.7 million additional funding for Operations Boson and Costello to help tackle serious and organised crime across Bedfordshire.

The funding, announced by John Tizard, will support specialist policing operations targeting issues including county lines drug networks, guns and gang-related crime.

The money will be used to strengthen Operations Boson and Costello — two key units focused on investigating and disrupting serious criminal activity across the county.

Mr Tizard said the funding reflects the scale of the challenges Bedfordshire faces.

“This additional £7.7m of funding for Operations Boson and Costello is excellent news for Bedfordshire and shows what a partnership between a Police and Crime Commissioner, and the government can deliver.

“The government has recognised what I have long argued. Bedfordshire faces unique pressures of organised crime, county lines, guns and gangs. Our communities deserve a response that matches the scale of that challenge.”

He added that the funding would directly support specialist investigation teams and improve public safety.

“This special grant secures funding for special investigations teams for Operation Boson, the specialist guns and gangs' unit, and Operation Costello, which tackles serious and organised crime, and will make a real difference to safety in Bedfordshire.”

The announcement comes alongside confirmation of a record police budget of £175 million for Bedfordshire Police in 2026/27.

Mr Tizard said this would support increased neighbourhood policing, stronger action against serious crime, and a greater focus on prevention.

“This means more neighbourhood policing, tackling serious crime, and a greater focus on prevention, stopping crime before it happens.”