Bed:Safe is an initiative established by the North Bedfordshire Community Safety Partnership that recognises that the character of Bedford has changed from a county market town to more of an entertainment venue with a high concentration of licensed premises.
Why was it established?

• Town Centre Top location for incidents of violence against the person
• Fear of crime

Who is involved?

• Police
• Local authorities
• Fire
• Drug Action Team
• Licensees
• Door supervisors
• Magistrates
• Town Centre Company
• Charles Wells

What have we done about it?

• Accepted that no one agency could deliver change
• Established best practice from elsewhere
• Worked with the licensed trade to improve standards
• Secured commitment from the top

Key objectives

• Reduce the number of alcohol related assaults
• Work in partnership with the licensed trade
• Promote safer drinking and clubbing
• Reduce the perception of drunkenness, rowdiness and disorder
• Improve the dispersal of revellers
Key Targets

• Reduce violence against the person by 14% per annum
• Reduce the number of alcohol related incidents by 5%
• Reduce the availability and use of class A drugs within the Town centre

What's been achieved so far?

• 32 premises on nite net radio system
• licensees forum meets monthly
• Door Supervisors forum meets monthly
• All door supervisors wearing high visibility jackets with Bed;Safe logo - increasing the authority figures within the town at night
• 28 premises signed up to " Hosts Charter " setting the standard for licensed premises
• Bedford College Art students design publicity material for project
• Jointly sponsored events & publicity with Drug Action Team
• Reduction in violence against the person
• Feel good factor in the Town Centre
• Better communication between partner agencies