Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoreNews is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoreNews on whether to sell, buy or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk.
CryptoreNews covers fintech, blockchain and Bitcoin bringing you the latest crypto news and analyses on the future of money.
Peter McCormack, a prominent Bitcoin podcaster and owner of Real Bedford FC, has unveiled an ambitious initiative to combat the increasing crime rates in Bedford, UK, taking on a role that some compare to a real-life Batman.
Key Takeaways:
- Bitcoin podcaster Peter McCormack is financing private security patrols in Bedford to counteract rising crime.
- McCormack points to police inaction and escalating issues such as harassment and shoplifting that are detrimental to local businesses.
- Legal experts caution that vigilantism is prohibited in the UK.
Frustrated by what he perceives as the police’s inability to safeguard the community, McCormack is personally funding a pilot program that will deploy ten security guards to patrol the town center every Saturday.
In a message on X, McCormack stated, “If the police won’t ensure the safety of our women and children, I will.”
Increasing Crime in Bedford Leads to Business Closures
McCormack expressed that his worries focus on a rise in crime, including aggressive begging, shoplifting, and harassment, which he claims have deterred shoppers, forced businesses to shut down, and left families feeling insecure.
The Bedford-based entrepreneur and football club owner asserts that he alerted local police prior to initiating his plan, criticizing them for failing to tackle these concerns.
Bedford, a town with approximately 185,800 residents situated less than two hours from London, has seen McCormack emerge as a vocal proponent for community safety.
In addition to his business pursuits, he operates Real Bedford FC, a football club famously referred to as the “Bitcoin soccer team,” supported by investments from Gemini founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.
McCormack has engaged with local residents by conducting surveys about crime and has called for community meetings to garner support for his security initiative.
Announcing my private security pilot for Bedford Town Centre
– – – – – – – – – – –
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
(@PeterMcCormack) July 18, 2025
Related Posts
Despite the ambitious nature of the initiative, legal uncertainties persist regarding how these private security personnel will function in public areas.
Vigilantism is illegal in the UK, and experts from JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors warn that such efforts must remain within legal limits.
It is suggested that the guards may operate more as informants, collecting video evidence to aid police investigations, akin to the rising trend of traffic vigilantes in the nation.
While the idea of privately funded security patrols may appear unconventional, it mirrors a broader trend in regions experiencing police shortages.
Lieutenant Eric J. Altorfer of the San Francisco Police Department noted earlier this year that private security is increasingly filling the void left by understaffed law enforcement agencies.
However, Altorfer stressed the necessity of clear cooperation between private security firms and public police to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
Crypto Executives Employ Bodyguards Amid Kidnapping Fears
As reported, crypto executives are seeking personal security services as targeted kidnappings and ransom attempts continue to rise, particularly in France.
In May, private security firms such as Infinite Risks International, based in Amsterdam, reported a significant increase in demand from crypto professionals seeking 24/7 protection amid the surge in crypto-related kidnappings.
The uptick in inquiries followed a series of violent incidents, including multiple kidnapping attempts that have alarmed both investors and law enforcement.
In France, the father of a crypto millionaire was violently attacked. Additionally, in New York, a tourist was tortured for over two weeks as kidnappers attempted to extract his Bitcoin credentials.
The post Bitcoin Podcaster Peter McCormack Pledges to Fight Crime in Bedford Like a Real-Life Batman appeared first on Cryptonews.
