The Bobby Van ('Safer Homes' in Bristol) was introduced by the Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust in 2001 to help reduce crime and the fear of crime among victims of burglary, domestic violence and hate crime. This Scheme is funded by a partnership involving the Police Community Trust and the Constabulary with valued assistance from the Community Safety and Drugs Partnerships throughout the Avon and Somerset police area. The Safer Bristol Partnership and Bristol City Council Housing Department in particular have added considerable support to the scheme. Trained carpenters visit the homes of people to offer advice on security issues and where necessary, fit locks, bolts, chains, door viewers etc free of charge. The carpenters carry support staff identification card and drive liveried 'Bobby Van' or 'Safer Homes' vans.

The Bobby Van/Safer Homes carpenters:

• Check door locks and upgrade
• Fit door chains/door restrictors if possible where not already present
• Fit door viewers
• Install window locks

Those who fit the criteria for help from the Bobby Van/Safer Homes van are:

• Victims of hate crime
• Victims of domestic abuse
• Victims of burglary, depending on capacity.

A security survey is carried out to assess what upgrading work is necessary to make the shell of the house secure. Security devices are supplied and fitted after consultation with the victim to ensure they are happy with improvement suggestions. This work is done free of charge but donations are always happily accepted.

All work is carried out by appointment during office hours on weekdays only (it should be noted that the scheme is not able to provide an emergency call-out service).

Referrals to the Safer Homes scheme in Bristol are not accepted from members of the public. Victims are referred by the police and other agencies.

Outside of Bristol, members of the public can refer themselves to the Bobby Van scheme.