Former Grenadier Guard loves his new role
Former Grenadier Guard Scott Roughley has joined the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust as an operative
FORMER Grenadier Guard Scott Roughley says 30 years’ service in the jungles of Borneo and the heat of the desert means he is able to adapt to any challenge as a Wiltshire Bobby Van operator.
He joined the charity after service all over the world while rising to the rank of Captain and says although he is used to reacting to any situation, he wasn’t prepared for how much job satisfaction his new role would bring.
“I loved my time in the Guards and I still miss it but I didn’t realise how much I would enjoy this, I absolutely love it,” he said. “There’s no greater feeling than going to someone’s house when they’ve been a victim of crime and walking away afterwards, knowing you’ve made them feel secure.”
He replaces Mick Leighfield, who retired from the charity after 18 years last year. The Bobby Van’s three operators work in partnership with Wiltshire Police, visit homes across Wiltshire and Swindon to offer and fit home security measures such a door and window locks, key safes and door chains for people over 60, those at risk of domestic abuse or over 18 with a registered disability. The service is completely free.
It also has a team of Stay Safe Online volunteers who visit older and vulnerable people to teach them how to recognise fraud and give talks to groups.
Scott, originally from Manchester, settled in Wiltshire when he left the army in 2023. One of his last postings had been as a staff officer in Warminster. He joined Wiltshire Police’s control room staff and heard about the Bobby Van’s work when referring victims of crime to the charity.
“I really liked the sound of what they did but I never thought there’d be a vacancy because everyone I spoke to who worked there really liked it,” he said. “So I was really fortunate when this role came up and now I’m part of a great team.”
He predominantly works in the north of the county but regularly covers for his two colleagues in Swindon and the south.
“I was surprised how busy the job is and each of us can have five jobs a day,” he said. “My perception of Wiltshire was that it was a quiet, safe place but it couldn't be further from the truth. Rural crime is through the roof and we get organised crime groups, county lines and out of area criminals coming in, so it was quite an eye opener.”
He said his job is as much about providing distressed victims with reassurance and a sense of security as any practical measures. “I love waking up every day and going out to jobs,” he said. “It's just making sure people don’t get scammed by these horrible people who intimidate them,” he said.
“The best jobs are the ones where people have been scared in their own homes and often I don’t really do very much apart from sit down and have a cup of tea and give them a bit of advice. That’s the most rewarding part for me, making sure people are safe in their own homes.”
He is training to be a master locksmith so he can be even more help to people. “It’s not a requirement of the job but if I do something, I want to do it as well as I can and it’s another string to the team’s bow,” he said.
An added benefit of the job is getting to see more of the county. “I've been to parts of the county I've never been to and there are some beautiful little hamlets and villages,” he said.
“I love little churches and I normally find an old church to look round. There are so many War Commission graves and it’s amazing to see not just British soldiers and airmen, but Germans and Polish as well.”
Bobby Van Director Jennie Shaw said: “We’re delighted to have Scott on board because he brings some very different experience. It’s lovely to see him relishing the role and playing such a big part in helping to make people who have had a very traumatic experience safe feel safe again.”