Free home security measures available for vulnerable Wiltshire residents

Free home security measures are available for people living in 10 areas of Wiltshire and Swindon identified as being at a high risk of crime.

People over 60 or those with a disability who are over 18 can apply for a home visit as part of the Safer Streets initiative launched by the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust in partnership with Wiltshire Police and crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson.

Mr Wilkinson successfully bid for almost £1 million from the Home Office for a range of Safer Streets projects, targeting areas prioritised for burglary prevention.

The areas include Pinehurst West, The Bungalows and Doris Archer Court, Stokesay Drive and Stamford Close, Okus East and Glenwood Close in Swindon, and Warminster West, Haygrove Close and Masefield Road, Tisbury, Fovant, Sutton Mandeville and Swallowcliffe, Squalls Lane, Nadders Lane and The Avenue and Overhouse Drive elsewhere in Wiltshire.

The home visits will be carried out by Wiltshire Bobby Van's operators, who are former police officers.

These visits will see homeowners given security tips and advice, upgrades to locks, and the fitting of window locks, door viewers, or door chains.

The operators will also conduct a fire risk assessment and can fit carbon monoxide monitors and smoke alarms on behalf of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The initiative is also open to people in private rented accommodation.

Families can nominate relatives living in the highlighted areas, as long as they have their permission.

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."

To find out more about eligibility or arrange a visit, call 01225 256867 or email bobbyvan@wbvt.org by October 24.