Bedfordshire Police took a walk-through metal detecting arch along to Bedford College in Caudwell Street so students could see what it looks like and how it works.
Police, working with BedSafe and local licensees, are to deploy the arch outside pubs and clubs in Bedford at weekends in support of the national fight against knife crime.
The portable arch, officially called a Gatescan-P, was just one highlight at a police stall set up to support the college’s Freshers’ Fair on Wednesday, September 9. The stall, which also visited Dunstable College the same day but without the arch, also gave students the opportunity to find out about Student Watch and what it can do for them.
Student Watch seeks to highlight the importance of keeping valuables out of sight and registering and security marking items like telephones, personal stereos and bicycles. It has links to a system called Ringmaster, which broadcasts information about crime that is relevant to the recipient.
Ringmaster Administrator Sarah Stevens, who with colleagues plan to visit Cranfield College and the University of Bedfordshire later this month, said: “Both events were a great success and we were delighted at the level of interest shown by the students.”
Bedford Night Time Economy Licensing Officer, Sgt Ali McGaw, added: “We thought it particularly important to take the arch along to Bedford College so young people could see it in advance of its deployment in Bedford.
“Not only is it aimed at supporting the national initiative, but reassuring residents that Bedfordshire Police and its partners are committed to making our town centres as safe as possible.”
Anyone interested in joining Ringmaster can do it online at www.safer-beds.org
