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Peter McCormack, a well-known Bitcoin podcaster and owner of Real Bedford FC, is taking matters into his own hands by launching a privately funded security initiative in his hometown of Bedford, United Kingdom. In a recent announcement on social media platform X, McCormack declared his plan to deploy private security guards across the town, citing dissatisfaction with the local police force’s response to rising crime levels. His actions have drawn comparisons to a real-life Batman, stepping in to protect the community when official systems appear to be failing.
Bedford, home to roughly 185,000 residents, is experiencing an increase in social and criminal issues, according to McCormack. He claims the town center has seen a surge in aggressive begging, shoplifting, and harassment, which has made local residents—especially women and families—feel unsafe. In his own words, “The police have failed us. More crackheads, more aggressive beggars, more shoplifters, and therefore fewer people coming into town.” As a result, McCormack argues, local businesses are suffering and the overall social environment in the town is deteriorating.
Frustrated by what he views as ineffective policing, McCormack says he warned local law enforcement before announcing the project. His initiative involves deploying 10 private security guards every Saturday to patrol the town center. The move is part of a pilot project that McCormack is personally funding. “As I promised, if the police won’t keep the town safe for our women and children, I will,” he posted online, reaffirming his commitment to community safety and well-being.
While McCormack’s bold action has sparked both support and criticism, the legal gray area surrounding private security in public spaces in the UK cannot be ignored. Vigilantism is illegal in the United Kingdom, and legal experts caution that private guards cannot take the law into their own hands. JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors note that although private guards may not have police powers, they could still play a supporting role—such as documenting incidents and passing video footage to authorities. In essence, they might act more as informants or community observers rather than enforcers.
McCormack, who owns several businesses in Bedford, including the town’s local football club Real Bedford FC, is no stranger to using his influence to promote positive change. His football team is famously known as the “Bitcoin soccer team” and is financially supported by well-known crypto figures like the Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron, co-founders of the Gemini exchange. Through Real Bedford FC and his media presence, McCormack has continuously pushed Bitcoin advocacy and community development within the town.
The crypto entrepreneur says his decision to take this unusual step comes after conducting a community survey to gauge local concerns about crime. He has invited Bedford residents to attend a town meeting to discuss safety issues and gather further support for the private security initiative. His actions reflect a growing frustration with government services that are seen as underfunded or ineffective, a sentiment shared in various cities around the world.
McCormack’s approach is not entirely unique, as similar trends are appearing in other urban centers. For instance, in the United States, police shortages and increasing crime rates have led several neighborhoods to hire private security firms. Lieutenant Eric J. Altorfer of the San Francisco Police Department remarked in May that dwindling police resources have pushed communities to seek alternative protection measures. While the structure of law enforcement differs significantly between the US and UK, the underlying issue—citizens seeking more control over their safety—is becoming a global phenomenon.
Critics of McCormack’s plan argue that private security cannot replace a trained police force and warn of potential abuses or overreach. Others worry about the implications of normalizing privately funded law enforcement in public areas. However, McCormack sees his initiative as a necessary response to a worsening crisis. His efforts highlight a larger conversation about community safety, public accountability, and the evolving role of private individuals in addressing systemic shortcomings.
In a world where digital assets like Bitcoin are disrupting financial systems, McCormack’s move represents a similar disruption in the realm of public safety. Whether his plan becomes a model for other towns or faces legal and social pushback remains to be seen. For now, Peter McCormack stands as one of the most vocal and action-driven figures in Bedford—unwilling to wait for others to solve problems he believes are threatening the heart of his community.
