Peter McCormack, a prominent Bitcoin advocate and host of the What Bitcoin Did podcast, has announced plans to fund and deploy a private security team in Bedford, England—his hometown—citing what he describes as the failure of local police to maintain safety and order in the town centre.

Often likened to a “Bitcoin Batman,” McCormack’s initiative has sparked widespread debate, touching on themes of civic responsibility, public trust, and the legal limits of private enforcement.

A Town in Decline?

In recent months, Bedford has experienced an uptick in anti-social behaviour, including open drug use, shoplifting, and verbal harassment in the town centre. Many local business owners and residents have voiced concern over the situation, arguing that the area no longer feels safe—especially for families and children.

According to McCormack, the response from Bedfordshire Police has been inadequate. He claims that resources are disproportionately allocated to nearby Luton, while Bedford is left behind.

“The police have failed Bedford. If they won’t protect the community, then I will,” McCormack stated in a July 2025 blog post.

A Private Security Experiment

McCormack’s plan is already underway. Beginning this summer, he is funding a 10-person private security team to patrol Bedford’s town centre every Saturday. These guards will not be armed or authorized to make arrests, but will serve as visual deterrents and gather video evidence of any crimes or disorderly conduct.

While the operation is currently limited in scope, McCormack says it may expand if proven successful. He insists that the effort is designed to support—not replace—law enforcement, by providing documentation and deterrence until local police presence improves.

Legal and Ethical Questions

The legality of deploying private security in public spaces in the UK remains a grey area. While it is legal to hire licensed private security personnel, any perception of vigilantism could provoke backlash.

Civil liberties advocates warn that such efforts could erode public trust in policing and lead to overreach.

“If this turns into a parallel justice system with no oversight, it sets a dangerous precedent,” said Dr. Amelia Cook, a criminology expert at the University of Reading.

Still, McCormack argues that the move is both lawful and necessary. He is encouraging transparency, has invited local police to participate, and says guards will operate with clear behavioral guidelines.

Public Meeting Scheduled

A public forum will be held on July 24, 2025, at Bedford Corn Exchange, where McCormack and his team will present the security initiative and discuss broader plans for revitalizing the town centre. Topics include:

• Improved street cleaning and lighting

• Organizing community events

• Introducing town centre ambassadors

• Promoting local business engagement

McCormack has also invested in other local projects—such as a Bitcoin-themed coffee shop, bar, and his own football club, Real Bedford FC—which he envisions as vehicles to restore Bedford’s economic vitality.

Local Reactions Mixed

On social media and in town forums, reaction has been divided.

Some locals applaud McCormack’s initiative as brave and necessary:

“He’s doing more than the council. At least someone is taking action.”

Others are skeptical or wary:

“We didn’t vote for him. This feels like ego-driven empire-building.”

Looking Ahead

This unusual experiment in public safety has thrust Bedford into the national spotlight. Whether McCormack’s plan succeeds in restoring order—or simply adds fuel to an already polarized debate—remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the line between private initiative and public authority is being redrawn in real time. And with Bitcoin money behind it, Bedford may soon serve as a test case for what 21st-century civic intervention looks like.