Dorset Bobby VanInformation Booklet

01202 222768

www.dorsetbobbyvan.co.uk@DorsetBobbyVan

BobbyVan@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Contents

4...................About the Dorset Bobby Van

5...................Security Advice

6...................Burglary Prevention Tips

7...................Property Marking

8...................Inside the Home

9...................Sheducation

10................Supporting You

Introduction from Chief Constable James Vaughan“We strive to provide an outstanding service to vulnerable 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 intervention and engagement.

We know that a crime within the home has a particularly significant impact on our communities and the violation of privacy is, at times, difficult for people overcome.

The launch of our first ‘Bobby Van’ is an exciting service we are now 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 delivery and funded in the long-term through The Safer Dorset Foundation.

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 Chief Constable 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 Dorset Bobby Van

Security AdviceThe Bobby Van brings peace of mind and helps reduce the fear of crime for vulnerable, disabled and elderly victims of crime. Our aim is to ensure confidence and enable people to maintain a sense of security within their own home.

At the earliest opportunity, our level 4 accredited locksmith security operative will visit you. Our security operative is uniformed, police vetted and carries an ID card.

What the Bobby Van Scheme can do:• Check door locks and upgrades them.• Fit door chains.• Fit door viewers.• Install window locks.• Look at overall security of the property.• Advise on any other security improvements.

What the Bobby Van Scheme cannot do:• Replace or renew broken glass.• Temporary boarding of doors or windows.• Repairs to doors or windows after forced entry by police.• Renewal of windows, doors, sashes or frames.• Cold call, we always make appointments.• Deal with fences or hedges.• Carry out electrical work such as lighting, cameras or alarm systems.

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 on 01202 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.

Deterrents at Home• Display ‘beware of the dog’ signs or stickers.• Consider a TV simulator to emulate the TV being on.• Install dummy alarm boxes and CCTV/ install a guard cam security light with built in camera.

For more information on preventing burglary visit: www.dorset.police.uk/Burglary

Fraud and Scams• Be careful with e-mails from unrecognised email addresses and avoid clicking on any links contained.• The police, bank, building society, fraud squad and HMRC will not call you to advise there is an issue with your account – don’t give out your account details over the phone.• Don’t’ give work to tradesman who knock at your door unsolicited.• Check ID badges of any unexpected callers and always use the door chain when opening the door.• Don’t be afraid to say no, or ask people to leave.• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

For more information on fraud and scams visit: www.dorset.police.uk/Fraud

4 5

Burglary Prevention Tips Property MarkingThe opportunist thief can be prevented if it looks as if you take your security seriously with visible prevention measures.

• 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.

• Fences or boundaries over 2m might need planning permission so check with the planning department at your local council.

• Ensure that garden gates are fitted with heavy duty hinges with at least one pad bolt secured with a padlock.

• Fences or walls at the front of the property should be no higher than 1m to avoid giving a burglar a screen behind which they can be concealed.

• Vegetation and plants at the front should also be maintained to a low height. Security of perimeter boundaries can be increased by using defensible planting. Thorny shrubs such as Pyracantha are ideal for this.

• 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 Home Office. For added impact you could consider CCTV.

In the event that you have property stolen, the hints and tips 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.

• Mark any portable and high value items with your postcode followed by your house or flat number.

• Property can be marked with a UV marking pen, or if appropriate, consider permanently etching with a special etching or electric engraving tool.

• You can also consider marking your belongings with DNA forensic marking solutions.

Keep a list of the serial numbers of your belongings and considering registering your property and serial numbers on www immobilise.com.

• Consider taking photographs of valuables that you can’t or don’t want to mark, such as jewellery and ornaments.

6 7

Inside the Home SheducationThe most traumatic burglary is the one that takes place in your home. The sense of violation never leaves. By taking some simple steps it is possible to minimise your chances of becoming a victim.

What should you do?• Ensure that property is not within easy reach of windows or on window sills.

• Net curtains or blinds are also good deterrents and prevent individuals looking into the property.

• Remember to securely lock your doors if you are out in the back garden.

• Gravel at the front of your property can also be a deterrent as it will create a noise when walked on.

• Ensure that external leading doors and door frames all meet the requirements of your insurance policy, are strong and in good condition, and have locks that meet British Standard 3621.

• Ensure that any UPVC doors are locked securely by lifting the handle before engaging the deadlock.

• Ensure that sliding patio doors that slide on the outside cannot simply be lifted up and off the runners. Consider installing patio door locks.

• Keep all keys away from being accessible via letterboxes or open windows.

• Ensure that all downstairs or easily accessible windows have working window locks and use them.

• If you rent your home, check with your landlord for permission before making any changes to the property.

The value of property in sheds and garages is more than people think. Thieves are targeting them for power tools, cycle and sports equipment. Hand tools are stolen and used to break into homes.So let’s weed out these thieves by getting some sheducation!

ecure the access to your shed or garage by locking gates and using thorny bushes next to walls and fences.

ave you visibly marked the contents of your shed? Make a note of serial numbers and photograph valuable plants and ornaments.

xternal security lights that are activated by movement are a useful deterrent.

oors of sheds require attention. Use strong pad bars and close shackle padlocks. Up and over garage doors supplied with standard lock fittings should also be fitted with a padlock or lockable bolt. Windows should be secured with locks or grills.

se coach bolts or non-return screws to secure door hinges.

hain cycles, mowers, ladders and tools to a strong anchorage point.

larms for sheds and garages are available for under £20 at most DIY stores, catalogue shops and builders merchants.

ogether we’ll crack crime. Join a home watch scheme.

xactly what insurance cover do you have? Check that your household policy covers you for theft from your garden and outbuildings.

SHEDUCATE

8 9

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

Supporting youVictims’ 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: victimsbureau@dorset.pnn.police.uk. 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

DonationsThe 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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Notes

10

AskNED - Who should you contact?AskNED helps you find the answers to your questions.

Whether it’s issues around lost property, noisy neighbours, animal welfare or parking, the non-emergency directory has the answers.

The online service is quick and easy to use. Simply enter your question, select your location and AskNED will provide you with the information you need.

dorset.police.uk/AskNED

AskNon-Emergency Directory

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In an emergency always dial 999.For non-emergencies call 101or do it online at:www.dorset.police.uk

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