Michaela
Summary: Why did Bitcoin podcaster Peter McCormack start a private security initiative in Bedford?
McCormack launched the initiative due to growing concerns about public safety and what he sees as inadequate police response. He is personally funding weekly patrols to address rising crime. His actions reflect a broader shift toward community-led protection in the crypto space.
Bitcoin podcaster Peter McCormack has launched a private security initiative in his hometown of Bedford, citing growing concerns over public safety and what he describes as a lack of effective response from local law enforcement.
In a post on X, McCormack said the initiative will deploy private security personnel every Sunday to patrol the area and monitor safe parking. He confirmed that the project will be financed out of his own pocket as part of a broader effort to address concerns over rising crime.
“The police have failed us,” McCormack wrote. “More crackheads, more aggressive beggars, more shoplifters, and therefore fewer people coming into town. Women are being harassed, shops are closing and families no longer feel safe,” he added.
The Bitcoin podcaster expressed concern that local law enforcement has not met public expectations, despite residents contributing through taxes and business rates. He noted that since raising the issue, there have been only two visible police deployments, one of which was accompanied by a camera crew.
Online commentators have drawn comparisons between McCormack and a “real-life Batman.” However, while his intentions may be well-meaning, his approach raises legal concerns, as vigilantism is prohibited under UK law.
This isn’t the first instance of a prominent crypto figure turning to private security in response to rising crime, particularly as incidents targeting individuals in the digital asset space continue to grow.
Australian crypto billionaire Tim Heath, founder of Yolo Group, the company behind several major crypto-gambling platforms, reportedly spent more than $3.18 million on private security following an attempted kidnapping in July 2024. In the aftermath, Heath has relocated to a new home and is now rarely seen in public without a personal security detail.
Wrench attacks, physical threats, or coercion used to extract crypto holdings have emerged as a growing concern within the digital asset community. According to projections from Chainalysis, the frequency of such attacks is expected to rise in 2025, fueled in part by the increasing value of assets like Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Podcaster Security Move Reflects Decentralized Values
McCormack’s private security initiative emphasizes a broader evolution in how high-profile figures within the crypto world are addressing safety, no longer just guarding digital wallets, but physically defending communities where institutions fall short. His decision to self-fund patrols in Bedford marks more than just a personal stand; it reflects a rising ethos among decentralized communities: when traditional systems falter, take action.
This same mindset pulses through the Shiba Inu ecosystem. From the grassroots governance of Doggy DAO to the modular infrastructure of the Shib Alpha Layer, Shiba Inu’s architecture is built on the idea that communities shouldn’t have to wait for top-down solutions.
Like McCormack’s move to protect his hometown, Shiba Inu’s model empowers its holders to shape their environment—socially, technologically, and now, perhaps, physically.
While McCormack’s approach may spark legal and ethical debates, the motivation taps into a deeper current of decentralized responsibility. As wealth and influence shift outside conventional channels, the challenge, and opportunity, becomes clear: how can communities protect and govern themselves in ways that are innovative, inclusive, and accountable? McCormack’s story, for all its controversy, might be one early answer.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
