A police force has been rated ‘good’ in tackling serious and organised crime.
Bedfordshire was commended for dealing with ‘county lines’ drug running, modern slavery and weapons.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said Bedfordshire Police worked well with partners to prevent crime.
In the 12 months to May 2022, the force carried out nearly 250 operations to thwart crime gangs.
It took more than £4m worth of drugs off the streets having seized 23kg of cocaine and 6,500 cannabis plants.
It used a dedicated team of 67 PCs and 43 community police personnel.
Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said: “Organised crime is the most significant national security threat we face in the UK.
“It is the driver of serious violence, exploits the vulnerable and the young and costs the economy billions of pounds every year.
SERIOUS CRIMINALITY
“Serious and organised crime includes a range of serious criminality including people trafficking, gun crime and drugs trafficking, and has a direct link to young people being exploited and drawn into gangs and antisocial behaviour.
“I am incredibly proud to see this positive recognition of our approach here in Bedfordshire. We face significant challenges from this threat and with our partners have prioritised our response to criminals who engage in organised crime in order to protect our communities.
“I believe we have continued to make further progress since this inspection and we will not rest in our efforts to pursue and disrupt organised crime in our county.
“We are currently working with communities and partners to rid neighbourhoods who have historically suffered from organised crime through a collective enforcement and problem solving approach known as clear hold build.”