Luton Volunteer Corps acted upon a suggestion of one of its section commanders and carried out an exercise in which all principal entrances to the town were placed under observation. The police authorities had previously been approached in the matter so that any difficulties were removed.

The picketing took place on Wednesday evening [August 18th, 1915], arranged at the Steam Laundry in Dunstable Road, Biscot Turning in Leagrave Road, Alexandra Avenue/Bedford Road, the junction of High Town Road and Hitchin Road, Stockwood gates at Farley Hill, Gipsy Lane/New Mill End Road, and Trapps Lane/London Road.

With all approaches to Luton covered, the possibility of traffic of any sort entering or leaving the town without observation would be very remote. In all 100 members were on parade and were immediately marched off to their new posts. Instructions were given to take note and report on all motor cars, motor cycles, cycles and vehicles of all sorts, and also pedestrian traffic coming in and going out of Luton. Several motor cycles and also cycles were noticed without rear lights, and in one case a motor cycle was reported as having no lights at all.

One of the reports also mentioned the fact that passengers on the 8.35 train from Dunstable to Luton had evidently taken no notice of the request with regard to blinds being drawn after dark, for the lights were very prominent.

Acting Company Commander H. Inwards, in the absence on holiday of Mr H. Cumberland Brown, and Adjutant Mr G. H. Fyson paid a round of visits to the various pickets during the period of observation, and they were soon able to see that a very keen interest was being taken in the work in hand.

[Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: August 21st, 1915]