Key Insights:
- Bitcoiner Peter McCormack is personally funding a team of 10 security guards to patrol Bedford’s town centre every Saturday in August.
- He claims the local police have failed to address the rising crime rate, aggressive begging and shoplifting.
- The initiative has been labeled a “political stunt” by local officials, but McCormack insists it’s a necessary civic intervention.
Peter McCormack, a well-known Bitcoin advocate, podcaster and the owner of Real Bedford FC is now taking matters into his own hands. According to recent reports, the Bitcoiner is frustrated by what he sees as inaction by the local police.
He is now looking to address the rising crime rate in his hometown of Bedford, UK by providing private security guards in the town centre every Saturday throughout August.
McCormack, “The Police Have Failed Us”
McCormack didn’t mince words in a public post on social media recently.
“The police have failed us,” he said, citing the rising reports of aggressive beggars, crack addiction, shoplifting and harassment in the city. According to McCormack, these issues are scaring residents away from the town centre and hurting local businesses.
“I love this town,” he told the Bedford Independent in an interview. “But people no longer feel safe here. If the police won’t fix it, I will.”
Announcing my private security pilot for Bedford Town Centre
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Starting this August, I’m personally funding a pilot project to provide private security in Bedford. Every Saturday, 10 guards will patrol the town centre and oversee safe parking at Lurke…
— Peter McCormack 🏴☠️🇬🇧🇮🇪 (@PeterMcCormack) July 18, 2025
True to his word, McCormack is now investing over £10,000 into the initiative and is hiring ten uniformed guards from the Bedford-based security firm Belmont Guard. Their mission from now on will be to patrol high-traffic areas, serve as a visible deterrent to crime and if necessary perform citizens’ arrests within legal bounds.
Could This Spill Over Into Crypto Crime?
McCormack isn’t just concerned about crime statistics. He argues the town’s entire identity is at risk. “This isn’t just about safety,” he said. Additionally, “It’s about the soul of Bedford.
We need people to want to come back to the town centre, to spend money, to support our businesses. That starts with making it feel safe.” While the crime in BedFord isn’t entirely crypto related, there have been numerous reports of crypto crime being on the rise as of late.
Rugpulls aren’t the worst thing in crypto anymore.
People are getting kidnapped. Tortured. Killed.
And most of them made the same mistake you’re making right now.
How to stay safe before it’s too late 🧵 pic.twitter.com/WYxn4Xa0PH
— Mull Ⓜ️ (@CoinMull) July 13, 2025
McCormack believes his moves could inspire a larger movement in the crypto and non-crypto spheres. He acknowledges that he can’t tackle everything alone, he is urging residents, businesses and even the local council to join in. He has even called a public meeting for July 24 at Real Coffee, one of McCormack’s businesses, to rally community support.
McCormack’s Legal and Ethical Questions
Despite McCormack’s insistence that this isn’t “vigilantism,” several legal issues have surfaced. Besides, in the UK, taking policing into your own hands can be risky. According to JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors, any form of organized civilian enforcement must tread carefully to avoid breaking any laws on vigilantism.
His hired guards are expected to operate within the bounds of citizen’s arrest laws and act as deterrents or informants. Yet, the legal line is blurry enough to make some critics uneasy. Others are worried that such private security moves can set a dangerous precedent, one where wealth determines access to safety.
Public Security vs Private Initiative
The pilot has created some debates that extend beyond Bedford. Around the world, there are more police staff shortages, and cities are being forced to rethink public safety. McCormack says that his aim is not to replace the police but to pressure them and the council into action.
So far, McCormack’s pilot plan starts on Saturday, August 3 and will run every Saturday for the month.
Hence, the feedback gathered will help decide whether the project continues or is shelved. If support grows, it could very well become a permanent fixture or spark similar movements elsewhere.
