February 15, 2010
Victims Of Crime Get A Boost From ‘Bobby’ Scheme
Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust is appointing its fifth ‘Bobby Man’, thanks to a grant from the Home Office and Bedfordshire Police Authority.
The charitable trust, which has helped improve the security of thousands of elderly and vulnerable people in Bedfordshire, is stepping up its service with the appointment of an experienced carpenter who will work alongside his fellow Bobby Men, the longest of whom has been employed for 11 years.
From March 1, Gary Brookes joins the other new arrival John Haggerwood, who started in September. The pair joins stalwart Bobby Men, Roger Tuck, the longest serving, Graham Smith who started seven years ago and Mark Coles who is in his third year.
All are responsible for work including fitting free security devices such as door chains, spy holes and window locks to the homes of vulnerable and elderly people who have been victims of burglary. Statistics show the chances of an elderly person becoming a repeat victim in the first six months drop from 14 per cent to just one per cent if they have had a visit from the service. The Bobby Scheme also helps victims of domestic abuse, which involves creating so-called ‘Sanctuary Rooms’ in victims’ homes.
Trust administrator and founder Brian Prickett, a former Divisional Commander and senior detective with Bedfordshire Police says the aim of the scheme is to help secure the homes of the vulnerable and elderly BEFORE they become a victim of crime. Referrals to the scheme are made by officers and staff from Bedfordshire Police.
He said: “Burglary is a despicable crime and anything we can do to prevent the old and vulnerable falling victim has got to be worthwhile. By increasing our service we can also help more people who find themselves victims of domestic abuse.”
Since its launch in September 1999 to November last year the Bobby Scheme has dealt with:- 13,381 referrals
- 87 % were for people over 65
- 41 % had been victims of crime
- 59 % of work was to prevent people becoming victims
- Since 2002 the Trust has dealt with more than 700 referrals for victims of domestic abuse.
Average repeat crime rates are:
- 14.5% nationally
- 10.4% in Bedfordshire
- Less than 1% after proactive ‘Bobby’ work
Pictured (Left to Right) Stalwart Bobby Man Roger Tuck, new Bobby Men Gary Brookes and John Haggerwood and Administrator Brian Prickett.
