Elderly and vulnerable people living in Wiltshire can benefit from a free visit to improve their home security, or to explain how to stay safe online.
Leaflets about the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust Home Security service and its Stay Safe Online service are both attached at the bottom of this article.
To arrange a home visit or a group talk call 01225 256867 or email [email protected].
More information
Since 1998, the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust (WBVT) has worked in partnership with Wiltshire Polic to provide a home security service for elderly and vulnerable people throughout Wiltshire. The charity funds the operation of three Bobby Vans that provide mobile workshops for Bobby Operators.
Operators are skilled carpenter/lock fitters. The operators are also trained in crime reduction and Fire Risk Assessment and provide reassurance to clients.
Bobby Vans are directed to their tasks by coordinators working from an operations room, who receive referrals, decide on work priorities and despatch the vans using sophisticated communications equipment. On arrival the operators conduct a security audit with the permission of the client, fit the necessary security equipment to ensure the home is safe; in addition, they carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and fit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when this is appropriate. Finally, all aspects of home, personal and fire safety are discussed, and practical measures provided. The service and equipment is provided free of charge. This vital work is funded by the WBVT.
The mission of the WBVT is to help elderly or vulnerable people who have been victims of, or are at risk of, house crime, hate crime, domestic abuse or fire. The Trust was set up in 1998, the first of its kind to be established in England. It is overseen by a board of Trustees chaired by Robert Hiscox DL.
The charity works with Wiltshire Police and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, as well as several other agencies, to ensure that the most effective use is made of facilities and support available and those in need of help receive it promptly.
On 2nd May 2017, WBVT, working in partnership with Wiltshire Police, launched a bespoke Online Safety Initiative – Stay Safe Online. The service is available to people who are over 60 or 18+ with a registered disability. Trained Stay Safe Online Volunteers provide improved digital security awareness, scam prevention advice, support, and reassurance; basic practical skills for checking and understanding digital privacy settings; and signpost people to future sources of advice and resources. The service offers one-to-one home visits and community group talks and is managed by a dedicated Stay Safe Online Coordinator.
As most fraud offences now occur over the internet, we firmly believe that crime prevention advice given by our selfless volunteers during their visits and community talks will help keep the vulnerable safe from the rising tide of fraudsters and scammers who may target them.
