More than 400 people attended a residents’ meeting in Barton to discuss burglary concerns with Beds Police on Wednesday.
The packed meeting with Sergeant Andy Rivers followed a day of action by the local policing team who visited 1134 houses and spoke to 513 residents about crime prevention.
They left home security information packs at each home and listened to people’s concerns.
Sgt Rivers said: “The event in Barton was a thoroughly enjoyable one and I am delighted that we have been able to contact so many residents and leave them with crime prevention packs.
“The organisers of the evening meeting were only expecting around 80 people so to have 400 residents turn up who clearly care about their community was really positive. It did mean that we had to direct people into a local pub to wait for the first meeting to finish but I’m sure that the landlord didn’t mind.”
The event had to be split into two parts so that everyone could attend and put forward questions that they had to Sgt
Rivers.
Sgt Rivers said: “As a result, we had two very interesting meetings as well as a number of people signing up to Neighbourhood Watch and a lot of people declaring an interest in establishing Street Watch in the village.
“I’d like to thank all of the members of the Local Policing Team who took part in the operation as well as the residents of Barton who were so receptive to the advice that was given out and gave me the opportunity to answer their questions during the public meeting.
“The overall response has been amazingly positive and members of the public have already started to take on board the advice that we gave out which is brilliant and it proves that the smallest steps lead to the big accomplishments.”
If you have any information about crime in your area please contact Bedfordshire Police on the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.