Police 'put fear' into criminals

Police leave has been cancelled to boost an operation aimed at reducing crime in Bedfordshire.

Force chiefs want to put as many officers on the streets as possible in an efforts to to put "fear back into criminals".

In the first of a series of one-day operations in the run-up to Christmas, officers will be on the streets in Luton, Dunstable and Bedford on Thursday.

It is part of the operation aimed at tackling street crime.

In Luton, officers will be focusing on violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre and Lewsey Farm areas.

Covert operations

They will also be stepping up patrols in car parks.

In Dunstable, automated number plate recognition systems will be used to catch people wanted for recorded crimes.

Passive drugs dogs will also target the use and supply of drugs.

There will also be high-profile patrols in parts of Bedford with drug and robbery problems.

A police spokesman said some criminals could also expect a knock on the door as a series of covert operations are carried out throughout the day.