Bobby to the rescue

Burglars and bogus callers had better beware – the Bobby Scheme, a community safety initiative set up by The Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust, is set to receive a boost through funding from Bedfordshire County Council

The scheme (also funded through partners and the Borough and District councils) was launched in 1999 to help elderly and vulnerable victims of crime by giving free advice and practical help in improving their home security.

As part of our continued commitment to community safety – an important priority for you – this year Bedfordshire County Council will be investing £14,250 into the scheme.

Safe as houses

The scheme’s three dedicated Bobbymen – Roger Tuck, Graham Smith and Grant McElvie – can respond to a victim within days of a crime, following a referral from the Police or other local agencies such as Victim Support. On average they carry out about 450 referrals each per year .

Roger, Graham and Grant are all skilled carpenters and fully trained in crime prevention. This means that in addition to fitting all the necessary security devices, they can also give advice and support in how to deal with doorstep crime and the threat of ‘cold callers’.

“A credit to the community”

A recent survey indicated a 99% total satisfaction level with the Bobby Scheme. One grateful recipient of the service had this to say:

“The Bobby Scheme is a great credit to the community and long may it continue and make us feel that people actually care about victims”

Many of Bedfordshire’s residents have benefited from the service. They all agree that the Bobby Scheme provides peace of mind for older victims of crime, knowing that their homes are safe from the threat of further break-ins.

It’s a fact…

Since the launch of the Bobby Scheme, 10,621 referrals have been made

• 94% of people helped were aged over 65
• 38% had been victims of crime and 62% were vulnerable to becoming victims of crime
• The chances of becoming a victim of a break-in following a visit from Bobby are less than 1%.

For more information on the scheme please contact Brian Prickett on 01234 842612, or Janet Heinsen on 01234 842619.