Bitcoin podcaster and entrepreneur Peter McCormack is taking an unconventional approach to addressing rising crime in his hometown of Bedford, England - funding a private security force to patrol the town center.

Community Safety Initiative Launched

The Real Bedford FC owner announced on social media that he's personally financing a pilot project deploying 10 security guards every Saturday. "If the police won't keep the town safe for our women and children, I will," McCormack stated, claiming local law enforcement has failed to address increasing issues with aggressive begging, shoplifting, and public harassment.

Legal Questions Remain

While McCormack positions the move as a community service, UK law prohibits vigilante actions. The security team's exact authority remains unclear, though they may operate similarly to traffic monitoring groups that provide evidence to official police. 【Bedford's population of 185,800】 has seen business closures attributed to safety concerns, according to the entrepreneur's surveys.

Global Trend in Private Security

San Francisco police lieutenant Eric J. Altorfer noted this reflects a growing pattern, telling industry publication Police1: "Private security is already playing a crucial role where departments lack resources." However, he emphasized such arrangements require formal cooperation with law enforcement to maintain accountability.

Football Club's Crypto Connections

McCormack's Bitcoin advocacy extends to his football club Real Bedford FC, which received investment from Gemini exchange founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. ——"This isn't about replacing police, but filling gaps in public safety,"—— he explained, inviting community members to discuss the initiative at an upcoming meeting.

As of publication, Bedfordshire Police had not responded to requests for comment regarding the private security plan. The pilot program's effectiveness and legal standing are expected to become clearer following its initial deployment this weekend.