Proactive activity to tackling robbery and how to stay safe

We often see a rise in personal robberies during darker evenings - but our community policing team is taking action:

• Daily patrols will be taking place in the town centre focused on robbery prevention

• Targeted operations to catch offenders and deter crime will be carried out

• Partnerships with local authorities to build long-term safety measures

While we're continuing to crackdown on offenders, we're also educating the public on some of the ways criminals can take advantage.

Unattended valuables

Phones, cameras or laptops left unattended, or in plain sight, are an easy target for criminals who wouldn’t think twice about snatching them.

Be aware of your surroundings. Try to put your devices away when you’ve finished using them.

Protect yourself from street robbery – know where you’re going

Plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you’re going somewhere you haven’t been before.

Keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV.

Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app.

Stay alert and report anything suspicious.

Tell-tale signs of ATM fraud

Things to look out for are devices attached to the machine – some are more obvious than others. If you do see something suspicious contact the police and the bank.

Remember, if it doesn’t look or feel right then steer clear and, if possible, go inside the bank where it will be safer. And always keep a regular check on your transactions.

You can find out more information on how to protect yourself on our website: https://www.beds.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/personal-safety-how-to-stay-safe/

If you have been a victim of robbery, please contact Bedfordshire Police via 101, or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report anti-social and suspicious activity on: https://www.beds.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

We’re here for you - together, we’re building a safer Bedfordshire.

#TogetherForBedfordshire