The Bobby Scheme

The Bobby Scheme

The “Bobby Men” at work supporting the elderly and vulnerable in Bedfordshire

The Bobby Scheme was established in 1999, and is part of the Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust. The trust aims to help elderly or vulnerable victims of crime by giving advice, support and practical help in improving their home security. The Bobby Men also spend nearly 60 per cent of their time carrying out preventative measures to help people avoid becoming victims.

There are now four Bobby Men working throughout the county, and since 1999 over 18,000 house calls have been made.

Typical of the service provided is the tale of an elderly lady in Dunstable, who has been a victim of an attempted distraction burglary. A man knocked on her door to say a fence panel had been broken and he would fix it for a fee. As she later explained: “I didn’t think he looked right so I managed to shut the door, but I did feel uncomfortable.” The lady found it hard to close the door – she has difficulty walking and is currently attached to a permanent oxygen supply. “I didn’t report the man to the police at first” she said. “It wasn’t until I read a similar thing in the local paper about a man offering to fix a broken fence in Dunstable that I called the police.” It was at this point that a visit by the Bobby Men was arranged.

Her daughter was present when the Bobby Men, Graham and Mark, arrived: “I’d seen the Bobby Van around” she said, “But I never really knew what it was for, I was impressed when they turned up so quickly. They had so many different options for mum after they’d done their checks and they let her decide what would work best given her condition. Some of their ideas were so simple but they make a huge difference.”

The lady quickly pointed out other things the Bobby Men had been responsible for: “They fitted the intercom at the front which connects to a phone so I can find out who is at the door without having to get up. They also checked the whole house, fitted a door chain and recommended a local electrician who can fix my security lights. I have to admit, the first thing I said when they came round was – how much will this cost?’ To find out the service was free was wonderful. Graham and Mark are so friendly and helpful; we had a good old chat as they fitted the bits and pieces for me.”

At Bedfordshire Police our aim is "fighting crime, protecting the public."

We cover 477 square miles, serve a population of around 550,000 and employ in the region of 1,260 Police Officers, 950 police staff and 120 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

For more information about the Bobby Scheme, visit our website, www.bedfordshire.police.uk/tackling_crime/protecting_you/…

Posted by Bedfordshire Police on 2012-04-23 15:40:37

Tagged: , Bedford , Bedfordshire Police , Beds , Beds Police , UK , England , Police Force , police , law enforcement , Bobby van


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