FAQs – Home Security Service

There are quite a few things that people often ask both our Security Operators, and our Administrative Coordinators in the office. Below are some of the more common ones which we think you may find useful.

Q: I’d like a home security visit – how do I arrange that?

A: As a charitably funded Police service, we can only visit people who fall within our charitable remit, so we can visit you if you are:

  • over 60 years old

  • over 18 with a registered disability

  • a victim of domestic abuse

If you have been a victim of crime then most of the time Wiltshire Police will refer you to our service and our Administrative Coordinators will contact you to arrange a visit. If you would like a preventative visit you can contact us directly on the phone on 01225 256867, via email on bobbyvan@wiltshire.police.uk or simply via the Contact Us page on this website.

We try to arrange visits as swiftly as we can, however, there can be a few weeks waiting time, especially for those who have requested a preventative visit, as we always prioritise those who have been a victim of crime.

* Please note: we are unable to take referrals directly from victims of domestic abuse. If you are in that situation and would like a visit ask the Police or a support worker from an agency such as Swindon Women’s Aid or Splitz to make a referral for you.

Q: I don’t live in Wiltshire, can I have a visit please?

A: Unfortunately we only cover Wiltshire and Swindon, so are not able to visit anyone outside the county borders.

Q: What will it cost me?

A: NOTHING! We do not charge for our Home Security visits – including any work undertaken by our Security Operators during a visit. Though a cup of tea and a biscuit is always welcome! If you would like to make a donation during/after a visit then that is always welcome, however, we would never want anyone to feel that they could not have a visit because a donation would put them in financial hardship.

Q: What does a Home Security Check visit include, and how long will it take?

A: If everything is as we would wish, then the visit can take around an hour to an hour and a half. Obviously, that time would extend in accordance to whatever work our Security Operator felt he could do for you.

During a visit, our Security Operators check that all doors and windows are as secure as they can be, the check any side access to the rear of the property. They have also been trained by the Fire Service, so will make an assessment for fire safety too. They will undertake anything that they feel is necessary there and then. This can include:

  • Installing:

    • a door viewer/spy hole

    • a door chain

    • window restrictors

    • window locks

    • padlocks and bolts

    • smoke alarms

    • carbon monoxide detector

    • No Cold Caller stickers

  • Lock changes

  • Personal safety advice

  • Fitting an external key safe

Our Security Operators will always leave people as safe and secure as they possibly can.

Q: Do you install key safes?

A: Yes, we can provide and install an external key safe. We ask for the costs to be covered on these as our charitable funding cannot absorb free provision of key safes. We only install and provide the Supra C500, which carries Secured by Design accreditation.  Key safes can accommodate up to four keys, depending on key size and shape.

We ask for £70 to cover the provision and installation – which can be given directly to the Security Operator who installs it. He can only accept cash or cheques made payable to ‘The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust’ and will provide a written receipt.

Installation takes around 15 minutes, and can be combined with a free home security check visit.

Q: Can I have a fire safety visit?

A: Security operatators are only able to undertake these as part of a full home security check visit, not as a stand alone service.

Q: Do you install CCTV/Security lighting/Burglar alarms?

A: No, our Security Operators are not able to work with electricity or at heights.

We recommend that if you are looking for a company to undertake this type of work that you find a trusted company, for example, who is listed with the Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Scheme, or that is registered with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).

Q: Do you install grab rails/provide a handiman service?

A: Unfortunately we are unable to provide these types of services. Again, you could search for a trusted company listed with the Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Scheme.

Q: Do you supply No Cold Caller stickers?

A: We certainly do. Our Security Operators will supply one for display when they undertake a home security visit.

Q: Can you do a talk to my comunity group?

A: We can as long as your group members are likely to fall within our normal remit – over 60 or 18+ disabled.

We ask that our Talk Booking Form is completed and returned, by email or post, to our main Bobby Van office/email.

Please note that it is not practical for our Security Operators to provide a talk (including time for Q&A) in much less than 1 hour.

Q: Do you install Life Line alarms?

A: No, this is not a service we provide. When people ask us we often signpost them on to AgeUK.

Q: How do I make a donation?

A: There are various ways to make a donation and support the work we do, please see our Donations page for further information.

Also refer to our pages on Security Tips and Other Sources of Help.