Safety boost for Wiltshire's vulnerable
The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust are offering free home security checks
A charity in Wiltshire is offering people over 60 and adults with a disability FREE home security improvement, thanks to almost a million pounds of funding.
The cash, which is from the Home Office, is allowing the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust to launch a partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner to boost safety for the elderly and disabled, after Philip Wilkinson's successful bid for funding to the Government.
Home visits are being carried out by the Bobby Van's operators, who are ex-police officers.
They're providing security tips as well as being able to upgrade locks on doors and windows, while they will carry out fire risk assessments and can fit carbon monoxide monitors and smoke alarms on behalf of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
People in private rented accommodation are eligible and families can nominate relatives living in the highlighted areas, as long as they have their permission.
It will help people in ten areas of Wiltshire, which have been identified as at high risk of crime.
In Swindon they include: Pinehurst West, The Bungalows and Doris Archer Court; Stokesay Drive and Stamford Close; Okus East, Glenwood Close; Farringdon Road, including Theobald Street, Chester Street, Maxwell Street and Tennyson Street and Westmead South, Thornford Drive.
In Wiltshire they include: Warminster West, Haygrove Close and Masefield Road; Tisbury, Fovant, Sutton Mandeville and Swallowcliffe, Squalls Lane, Nadders Lane, The Avenue and Overhouse Drive; Downton and Whiteparish, Green Close and Highlands Way; Chalke Valley; Salisbury St Martin Alabare Place, Barnard Street, Love Lane and Dolphin Street.
Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust Director Jennie Shaw said: “We are very thankful to Mr Wilkinson and for the support of Wiltshire Police with this initiative. It will help us bring targeted, helpful advice and practical measures to keep people safe in the areas where it is most needed.
“The fear of crime can often be very much worse than crime itself so anything that makes people feel safer and more secure in their own homes is a very good thing.”
Mr Wilkinson said: “This focus on prevention backs the work of Wiltshire Police as they get tough on offenders, reducing the number of innocent people becoming victims.
“By using this funding from Government efficiently and effectively, working in partnership, we will see projects that make a positive difference in these areas, delivering the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan to reduce violence and serious harm and to tackle crimes that matter to local communities.”