Dorset Bobby Van Information Booklet

www.dorsetbobbyvan.co.uk BobbyVan@.pnn.police.uk 01202 222768 @DorsetBobbyVan Introduction from Chief Contents James Vaughan “We strive to provide an outstanding service to vulnerable 4...... About the Dorset Bobby Van people in our community and we are determined to do all we can to reach this ambition by reducing the number of victims of crime and the fear of crime through meaningful 5...... Security Advice intervention and engagement. 6...... Burglary Prevention Tips We know that a crime within the home has a particularly significant impact on our communities and the violation of privacy is, at 7...... Property Marking times, difficult for people overcome.

The launch of our first ‘Bobby Van’ is an exciting service we are now 8...... Inside the Home offering to not only prevent burglary offences but also support those who have been the victims of such crime. Our service will be free at the point of 9...... Sheducation delivery and funded in the long-term through The Safer Dorset Foundation. 10...... Supporting You This brochure, produced in association with the Blue Lamp Trust, provides the necessary information to help you protect your property along with advice and support if you have been a victim of crime through home security advice, crime prevention and reassurance”.

Martyn Underhill “I am sorry you have been a victim of crime. I know this experience is very distressing and I am pleased you have chosen to engage with us so we are better able to support you.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home, and this is something the and I take very seriously. Protecting people from harm is, and always will be, the most important duty of the police.

I hope the Bobby Van service will address your concerns and help you feel safer. Please contact us if we can be of further help”. About the Security Advice Dorset Bobby Van Deterrents at Home • Display ‘beware of the dog’ signs or stickers. The Bobby Van brings peace of mind and helps reduce the fear of • Consider a TV simulator to emulate the TV being on. crime for vulnerable, disabled and elderly victims of crime. Our aim • Install dummy alarm boxes and CCTV/ install a guard is to ensure confidence and enable people to maintain a sense of security within their own home. cam security light with built in camera.

At the earliest opportunity, our level 4 accredited locksmith security For more information on preventing burglary visit: operative will visit you. Our security operative is uniformed, police www.dorset.police.uk/Burglary vetted and carries an ID card. Fraud and Scams What the Bobby Van Scheme can do: • Be careful with e-mails from unrecognised • Check door locks and upgrades them. • Fit door chains. email addresses and avoid clicking on any links • Fit door viewers. contained. • Install window locks. • The police, bank, building society, fraud squad • Look at overall security of the property. and HMRC will not call you to advise there is an • Advise on any other security improvements. issue with your account – don’t give out your account details over the phone. What the Bobby Van Scheme cannot do: • Don’t’ give work to tradesman who knock at your • Replace or renew broken glass. door unsolicited. • Temporary boarding of doors or windows. • Check ID badges of any unexpected callers and • Repairs to doors or windows after forced entry by police. always use the door chain when opening the door. • Renewal of windows, doors, sashes or frames. • Don’t be afraid to say no, or ask people to leave. • Cold call, we always make appointments. • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! • Deal with fences or hedges. • Carry out electrical work such as lighting, cameras or alarm systems. For more information on fraud and scams visit: www.dorset.police.uk/Fraud Who can access the Bobby Van Scheme? • Victims of burglary over the age of 60 within the scheme area. • 18+ with a registered disability within the scheme area. • 18+ who are vulnerable within the scheme area.

How do referrals work? Dorset Bobby Van is not an emergency service and so the team are only available Monday to Friday during office hours on01202 222768. If there is a crime in progress or danger to life, please call 999.

The service is free of charge and aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime, helping people to feel safe and secure in their homes.

4 5 Burglary Prevention Tips Property Marking

The opportunist thief can be prevented if it looks as if you take In the event that you have property stolen, the hints and tips your security seriously with visible prevention measures. below will give you the best chance to retrieve your lost treasures. Think carefully about items that cannot be replaced through insurance or heirlooms that are of sentimental value. • Fences and gates at the rear of the property should be at least 1.8m high. Consider erecting trellising to increase the height to 2m. • Mark any portable and high value items with your postcode followed by your house or flat number. • Fences or boundaries over 2m might need planning permission so check with the planning department at your local council. • Property can be marked with a UV marking pen, or if appropriate, consider permanently etching with a special etching or electric • Ensure that garden gates are fitted with heavy duty hinges with at engraving tool. least one pad bolt secured with a padlock. • You can also consider marking your belongings with DNA forensic • Fences or walls at the front of the property should be no higher marking solutions. than 1m to avoid giving a burglar a screen behind which they can be concealed. Keep a list of the serial numbers of your belongings and • Vegetation and plants at the front should also be maintained to a low considering registering your property and serial numbers on height. Security of perimeter boundaries can be increased by using www immobilise.com. defensible planting. Thorny shrubs such as Pyracantha are ideal for • Consider taking photographs of valuables that you can’t or don’t want this. to mark, such as jewellery and ornaments. • Ensure that items like tools and ladders are not left lying about as they could help intruders gain entry into your property.

• Consider the use of external lighting around the exterior of the property. This lighting can be either ‘dusk-to dawn’ lighting or the traditional motion sensor security lighting.

• Consider installing an alarm system. 84% of burglars avoid a home with a burglar alarm according to the . For added impact you could consider CCTV.

6 7 Inside the Home Sheducation The most traumatic burglary is the one that The value of property in sheds and garages is more than people takes place in your home. The sense of think. Thieves are targeting them for power tools, cycle and sports violation never leaves. By taking some simple equipment. Hand tools are stolen and used to break into homes. steps it is possible to minimise your chances So let’s weed out these thieves by getting some sheducation! of becoming a victim. ecure the access to your shed or garage by locking gates S and using thorny bushes next to walls and fences. What should you do? • Ensure that property is not within easy reach of windows or on window sills. ave you visibly marked the contents of your shed? Make a note of serial numbers and photograph valuable plants • Net curtains or blinds are also good deterrents and prevent individuals looking Hand ornaments. into the property. xternal security lights that are activated by movement are • Remember to securely lock your doors if you are out in the back garden. E a useful deterrent. • Gravel at the front of your property can also be a deterrent as it will create a oors of sheds require attention. Use strong pad bars and close noise when walked on. shackle padlocks. Up and over garage doors supplied with D standard lock fittings should also be fitted with a padlock or • Ensure that external leading doors and door frames all meet the requirements of lockable bolt. Windows should be secured with locks or grills. your insurance policy, are strong and in good condition, and have locks that meet British Standard 3621. Use coach bolts or non-return screws to secure door hinges. • Ensure that any UPVC doors are locked securely by lifting the handle before engaging the deadlock. hain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to a strong • Ensure that sliding patio doors that slide on the outside cannot simply be lifted up C anchorage point. and off the runners. Consider installing patio door locks.

• Keep all keys away from being accessible via letterboxes or open windows. larms for sheds and garages are available for under £20 at A most DIY stores, catalogue shops and builders merchants. • Ensure that all downstairs or easily accessible windows have working window locks and use them. T ogether we’ll crack crime. Join a home watch scheme. • If you rent your home, check with your landlord for permission before making any changes to the property. xactly what insurance cover do you have? Check that your household policy covers you for theft from your garden E and outbuildings.

You can obtain further information and purchase safety and security items from the Police Community Office in the Barrington Centre, Penny’s Walk, Ferndown. Opening hours 10am-12pm Mon – Sat. Tel: 01202 876219 Email: [email protected]

8 9 Supporting you Notes Victims’ Bureau ...... The Victim’s Bureau is a dedicated team that will provide you with updates ...... whenever there is a development in the case. However, if you would like to contact the Victims’ Bureau team directly then please call 01202 222799 or if you prefer ...... email: [email protected]. The team is available to assist you Monday to Thursday...... Victim Support Victim Support are a national charity who offer free and confidential emotional ...... support and advice to victims of crime...... You can contact them on 0300 3030 163...... Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am - 6.30pm. If you need support outside of their opening hours, call the support line for free on 08 08 16 89 111 or request ...... support via their website www.victimsupport.org.uk and click on ‘Get Support Now’......

...... Useful contacts If you are in immediate danger always call 999...... To report a crime or incident please report it online at: ...... dorset.police.uk/do-it-online or call Dorset police on the non-emergency number 101...... Action Fraud ...... 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk ......

Access Dorset ...... Provides information and advice on all issues relating to independent living...... 01202 771336 www.access.dorset.org.uk ......

Prejudice Free Dorset ...... Promotes inclusive communities by supporting victims of hate crime. www.prejudice-free-dorset.co.uk Donations The Bobby Van Scheme is commissioned by the Safer Dorset Foundation and, as a charity, relies on donations and sponsorship to continue operating. If you are in a position to support vulnerable and elderly residents in Dorset please consider donating to the Foundation by visiting www.asaferdorset.org.uk/bobbyvan

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