Peter McCormack’s Initiative Against Crime
Peter McCormack, renowned Bitcoin advocate and owner of Real Bedford FC, has vowed to tackle Bedford’s escalating crime issues more effectively than the local police. In a post on X, he declared,
“If the police are unable to ensure the safety of our families, I will take action myself.”
This initiative includes financing a pilot scheme that will employ ten security personnel to patrol Bedford’s town center every Saturday.
Concerns Over Local Law Enforcement
McCormack expressed his discontent with local law enforcement, stating,
“The police have let us down. There’s been an increase in drug abuse, aggressive panhandling, and theft, which discourages visitors. Women feel unsafe, shops are closing, and families are anxious about stepping outside.”
He indicated that his decision followed attempts to alert the police about the town’s growing safety concerns. According to him, he had put law enforcement on notice regarding their failures.
Community Engagement and Support
Bedford, a town with around 185,800 residents just under two hours from London, is not only home to McCormack but also the base for some of his business ventures, including the local football club known for its Bitcoin ties, backed by the Winklevoss twins. To further assess the public sentiment on crime, McCormack has taken a proactive approach by surveying residents and organizing a meeting to galvanize community support.
Legal Implications of Private Security
The legality of the private security guards’ role remains somewhat ambiguous. While vigilantism is prohibited in the UK, these guards could potentially act as informants for the police, collecting video evidence similar to emerging traffic vigilante groups.
Global Trends in Private Security
Experts suggest that the trend of utilizing private security is on the rise globally. In a recent statement, Lieutenant Eric J. Altorfer from the San Francisco Police Department noted that as police departments face staffing shortages, some communities are increasingly relying on private security to complement public safety efforts. He highlighted that successful partnerships hinge on effective collaboration between private firms and law enforcement, adding that accountability and efficiency are vital to such arrangements.
Conclusion
Despite the unconventional nature of McCormack’s plans, his approach reflects a shift towards community-led safety initiatives, which could reshape how public security is perceived in various towns.
