Shoplifter Neil Stimson, 48, arrested at prison gates
Credit: Bedfordshire Police

Neil Stimson was linked to a string of offences while in prison, which triggered the second half of an eight-year sentence. 

Prolific shoplifter re-arrested at prison gates on day of his release

An undercover journalist has claimed he was able to enter HMP Bedford without being searched and without a full vetting process.

Prison security lapse claim prompts government intervention

HMP Prison Inspectorate also found the violence at HMP Bedford was one of the highest in the country 

Bedford Prison received an urgent notification to improve in November 2023 after an inspection from HM Inspectorate of Prisons.

Inspectors said the problems at Bedford Prison reflected wider issues across the country's prisons.

The dogs will be deployed at Bedford, Norwich, Chelmsford and Peterborough prison by March next year. 

Prisons Minister Lucy Frazer has been touring the jail, which is one of the first in the country to benefit from the support plan.



Inspectors found the availability of drugs at HMP Bedford was having a "serious impact" on safety.