The newly-elected police chief who saved community bobbies announced Leighton is undoubtedly ‘on his map’ when he joined officers on the beat last Monday.
Following his walkabout with Leighton’s Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Beds Police and Crime Commisioner Olly Martins spoke about his intentions to show how they support the town.
Mr Martins said: “Obviously I am aware of people’s concerns about how well served they are by the new police model and the station.
“I thought it was important to demonstrate that Leighton Buzzard is on my map and that there are PCSOs there in the town.
“There are some problems with anti-social behaviour, like many others in the county, but overall Leighton has a relatively low crime rate. People need reassurance and that is what PCSOs are trying to do.”
However, the chairman of the Beds Police Federation, Jim Mallens, who suggested fully warranted and trained police officers would offer a better service, said: “I recognise the contribution made by Beds PCSOs and the uniform visibility they offer the public.
“I do think that the residents of Beds would prefer to see fully warranted and trained police officers patrolling the streets. My members would have preferred for Mr Martins to retain some of the experienced and skilled police officers as opposed to PCSOs.”