🚔 We have finally heard from @bedspolice 🚔 And once again, it's the same vague rhetoric and empty promises we've come to expect. Meanwhile, our town centre remains overrun with problems. Chief Superintendent Jaki Whittred claims they are “committed” to engaging with businesses and residents to tackle crime in Bedford town centre. She cites a near 30% drop in shoplifting, a 26% decrease in public order offences, and an 18% reduction in personal robberies. But here’s the reality: at a meeting on Monday, business owners told your officers they've given up reporting crimes because it’s a waste of time—nothing gets done. You can throw statistics around all you like, but they won’t change what people see and experience daily. Today, for once, there was a police presence—15 officers in town disrupting criminal activity. And surprise, surprise, it made a difference, though, I still watched drug deals happening behind Pinewood. That area is a disgrace, a filthy embarrassment that harms businesses around Lurke Street Car Park. Clean it up. And what happened after 5pm when the police left? The same alcoholics and addicts flooded the High Street, causing chaos. Token gestures like today achieve nothing long-term. If a real plan isn’t put forward within a month to end the misery caused by criminals, addicts, and dealers in our town centre, I will do it myself. You have 29 days. Tick tock. https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/senior-bedfordshire-police-officer-responds-to-letter-calling-on-force-to-tackle-crime-in-bedford/