CRIME PREVENTION & SAFETY
BUSINESS WATCH
An important step in preventing crime or disorder problems that affect your business is to become informed about the kinds, frequencies, and locations of events that occur. As businesses are busy it remains difficult to meet face to face. Business Watch has taken on a new face and become more electronically based using email as it's primary form of communication. The Bedford Police Department has created the Business Watch Email Alert database to inform you of noteworthy events occurring within the town, such as:
Lookouts for suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities.
Patterns of activity, as in burglary or larceny incidents
Reports of counterfeit bills circulating in Bedford Town
Sign up your company for Business Watch by by emailing us.
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National Night Out
Bedford Citizens and Bedford Police - Working Together to Prevent Crime. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate safety and crime prevention success in our community - and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are ready to take back the streets! National Night Out will be held this year on August 2, 2023 from 6pm - 8pm at the Bedford farmers Market.
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Community Crime Map Online
LexisNexis Community Crime Map is a tool the public can use to see what types of crimes are going on in their neighborhood, their friends and families neighborhoods or anywhere else they may need to keep abreast on. It can be used to check potential neighborhoods when looking to purchase land or a new home.
It has a wealth of information, like "hotspots", trends and statistics on crime can be found on the website.
Click here and follow a few steps to see what's happening near you.
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Internet Safety
Never give out personal information such as, your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards.
Never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent permission.
Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared or that you do not know.
Do not meet someone or have them visit you without your parents permission.
Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Remember that everything you read online may not be true and people online may not be who they seem.
Don't download content without your parents permission.
Never share your password with anyone but your parents.
Only use the internet when your parents tell you its okay.
Always tell your parents about the people you meet or talk to on the internet.
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Fingerprinting
We do fingerprinting for the public at a fee of $5.00. This will include 2 full sets of FBI fingerprint cards. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the main telephone number of 540-587-6011. Appointments are available Mon-Thurs between 9am-3pm.
Bicycle Safety
The Town of Bedford has an ordinance requiring the use of a bicycle helmet for all children under the age of 15.
Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.
Always wear a properly fitted helmet!
Adjust your bicycle to fit.
Learn the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws.
Watch and avoid road hazards.
Always wear bright colors and avoid riding at night.
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Skateboarding Safety
Always wear properly fitting protective gear; helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and shoes. Also make sure that the skateboard is the proper size for the child riding it.
Ride skateboards on smooth, dry surfaces located in well-lit areas.
Check skateboard for any problems before each use.
Do not attempt any risky moves that are above your skill level.
Tricks and jumps should be reserved for skate parks that have adequate adult supervision and access to medical care.
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that children under the age of 5 should not ride skateboards. Any child under the age of 10 should be closely supervised when riding.
To help minimize the impact of a fall, crouch down so that you are closer to the ground and attempt to fall on the fleshy part of the body. Try rolling instead of landing on arms and relax the body when falling.