More cops being recruited

In addition, a group of new PCSOs will finish their training in two weeks’ time.

Chief Constable Colette Paul said the recruitment drive had been made possible by savings elsewhere.

She added: “I’m particularly keen to recruit local people with local knowledge from our diverse range of backgrounds and cultures – policing is a wonderful career with great prospects.

“It will make a real difference to the community and will help support our drive towards greater satisfaction with our service.

“Few forces can offer the challenge of working in a county with both a motorway and an international airport, nor ones which combines bustling towns like Luton with rural villages and countryside.”

Police and crime commissioner Olly Martins said: “I’m glad we’ve reached a point where we can rebalance the force and ease the burden on our over-stretched front line officers.

“But Government funding cuts mean that sadly overall police strength in the county will still have to fall in the next couple of years.”

> If you’re interested in becoming a PCSO, contact [email protected]

To become a police officer, look out for applications on www.bedfordshire.police.uk