Real Bedford FC Owner Launches Personal Police Initiative Against Crime

Prominent Bitcoin podcaster and Real Bedford FC owner Peter McCormack announced plans to personally fund a private security force in his hometown of Bedford, UK. According to Cointelegraph, McCormack will deploy 10 security guards to patrol Bedford's town center every Saturday throughout August 2025.

The initiative comes after McCormack publicly criticized local police for failing to address rising crime rates. McCormack stated on social media that Bedford has experienced increased "aggressive begging, shoplifting, and harassment" which has driven away shoppers and forced store closures. The Bitcoin advocate warned police before announcing his plan, claiming they were not delivering adequate protection for residents and businesses.

McCormack has hired guards from Bedford-based security firm Belmont Guard to patrol high-traffic areas and monitor car park entrances. The uniformed personnel will focus on visibility and deterrence while operating within citizen's arrest powers when necessary. Local officials have dismissed the plan as a "political stunt," according to Bedford Independent.

Why This Security Initiative Matters

McCormack's private security deployment addresses real concerns affecting Bedford's economic health. The town center has experienced declining foot traffic and business closures due to safety concerns. Women report feeling unsafe, and families avoid the area during peak hours. This creates a negative cycle where reduced activity leads to further deterioration of the commercial district.

The initiative represents a significant personal investment from McCormack, who is spending over £10,000 on the pilot project. As owner of multiple Bedford businesses including Real Coffee and the Auction Room cocktail bar, McCormack has direct financial stakes in the town center's success. His involvement extends beyond podcasting into local economic development through Real Bedford FC and various commercial ventures.

We recently reported that state governments across America are establishing Bitcoin reserves as forward-thinking financial strategy. McCormack's proactive approach to community safety reflects similar individual responsibility principles that drive Bitcoin adoption among those seeking alternatives to traditional institutional solutions.

The legal framework surrounding McCormack's security guards remains unclear. UK law prohibits vigilantism, but private security operating within legal boundaries can serve valuable roles. The guards may function primarily as informants, gathering evidence and footage to support police investigations rather than taking direct enforcement action.

Industry Implications For Private Security Growth

McCormack's Bedford initiative reflects broader trends in the rapidly expanding private security sector. The global private security market reached $235.37 billion in 2023 and projects growth to $385.32 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. Cities worldwide increasingly rely on private firms to supplement stretched public law enforcement resources.

Lieutenant Eric J. Altorfer of the San Francisco Police Department noted that police staffing shortages have led communities to turn to private security firms. This trend accelerated following budget constraints and evolving security threats. Private firms now provide specialized services that complement traditional policing, from surveillance technology to crowd management.

The cryptocurrency community's involvement in local security initiatives may set new precedents. Bitcoin advocates often champion individual responsibility and private solutions over government dependency. McCormack's approach demonstrates how cryptocurrency wealth can fund community improvements when public services face limitations.

Professional security services have evolved beyond basic guarding to include advanced surveillance systems, threat assessment, and emergency response coordination. Modern private security operates through partnerships with law enforcement rather than replacement of police functions. Success depends on clear communication protocols and defined operational boundaries.

The Bedford pilot program could influence other cryptocurrency entrepreneurs to fund similar community initiatives. Private security deployment by wealthy individuals raises questions about equality of protection and potential for creating two-tiered safety systems. However, supporters argue that private funding can supplement rather than replace public services during resource shortages.

Market data shows increasing demand for private security in urban centers experiencing crime increases. The sector benefits from technological advances including AI-powered surveillance, drone monitoring, and real-time communication systems that enhance effectiveness while reducing costs for clients seeking comprehensive protection solutions.