The service, best known for providing security devices to the homes of victims of crime and the vulnerable, will now offer FREE home fire safety checks.
Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) has sponsored one of the 'Bobby Vans' that operates in the north of the county for the next three years so that as well as fitting the traditional locks and chains, smoke detectors and fire proof letter bags will also be on offer.
The Bobby Vans make hundreds of visits to people every year, approximately 800 of which are in north Bedfordshire alone. The service is provided free of charge under the Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust, which recently appointed its fifth 'Bobby Man'.
The charitable trust, which has helped improve the security of thousands of elderly and vulnerable people, is delighted to add fire safety to its list of services on offer.
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 or fire.
He said: “With two organisations such as ours coming together in this way we can make a real difference to people. Not only will they feel safer but they will be safer, whether that is from crime or the risk of fire. Our Bobby Vans are making these visits anyway, so it was easy with the support of BLFRS to increase the services on offer.”
“By working with the police partnership in this way we are ensuring more home visits are made and more smoke detectors are fitted cost-effectively,” explained Northern Area Commander Tony Rogers.
“People can rest assured they are in safe hands with the Bobby Van team. As well as keeping themselves safe from crime they will be safe from injury in fire by having a working smoke alarm.”
FREE home fire safety checks are carried out across the community by firefighters and through various partner groups and can be booked by calling: 0800 043 5042.
“A working smoke alarm is the surest way to keep you and your family safe in the event of fire. It will wake you in time to escape or call for help, otherwise you may never wake up,” explained Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller.
Since its launch 10 years ago 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
Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust was launched in 1997 and is always on the lookout for more member companies whose subscriptions assist with vital charity work that often supports police initiatives. Anyone interested in finding out more can visit its website at www.bedspolicepartnership.org