Bedford Police Increase Patrols at Shopping Areas to Prevent Crime

From the Bedford Police Department

BEDFORD – Chief Robert Bongiorno reports that the Bedford Police Department’s Operation P.A.C.E. (Pro-Active Community Enforcement) is ramping up patrols around shopping areas in town to prevent crime this holiday season.

First established in 2014, Operation P.A.C.E. works to curb retail theft, shoplifting, breaking and entering into motor vehicles, purse snatching, robbery, and traffic and parking related problems.
Multiple marked and unmarked cruisers will be regularly stationed at the plaza on Great Road near Shawsheen Road and the Bedford Marketplace at 160 Great Road. Over the last two years, several shoplifters have been arrested due to increased patrols.

Additionally, uniformed officers will be walking through shopping centers, interacting with the residents and shoppers, with the goal of providing a level of comfort and security.

“We want residents to know that we will have an increased presence in shopping areas and will be actively looking for suspicious activity,” Bongiorno said. “Community members are encouraged to approach an officer if they see something out of the ordinary. Our hope is for everyone to have an easy and enjoyable shopping experience this season.”

Residents who notice something suspicious, but do not see an officer in their immediate vicinity, should call the Bedford Police Department at 781-275-1212 to report it. Citizens can also submit tips through email at bedfordpolice@police.bedfordma.gov, or by downloading the department's smartphone app, here. All tips may remain anonymous.

Image from the Town of Bedford