FORMER police sergeant Vincent Logue is relishing a new role as a Wiltshire Bobby Van operative – which will see him helping to keep elderly and vulnerable people all over the county safe in their homes.
He joined the charity after 30 years as a police officer, 22 of them in Wiltshire as a PC then a sergeant at Salisbury, Warminster, Chippenham, Devizes, Corsham, Marlborough and Pewsey and replaces Will Todd, who retired from the charity earlier this year.
The Bobby Van’s three operators, who work in partnership with Wiltshire Police, visit homes across Wiltshire and Swindon to offer and fit home security measures and fire safety assessments for people over 60, those at risk of domestic abuse or over 18 with a registered disability, completely free of charge.
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.
The charity’s two other operators, Mick Leighfield and Doug Batchelor, are also former police officers.
Vincent said he knows both through various roles at Wiltshire Police, including a spell at headquarters in Devizes when he was the force’s Bobby Van liaison.
“That’s where I got to know more about what the Bobby Van did,” he said. “I worked really well with the team and Jennie Shaw the director so when I retired I got back in touch because I heard they were looking for someone.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of the team and I’m already loving the job.”
The Bobby Vans, which are mobile workshops kitted out with tools and parts, visit people who have been burgled, suffered domestic abuse or are at risk of becoming a victim.
They replace door and window locks, check smoke alarms, pass on security advice and, most importantly, provide reassurance.
“It’s the ideal job for me because I love DIY, being out and about doing useful things and meeting nice people,” said Vincent. “The people we deal with are all pleased to see us.”
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Although he has been aware of the charity’s work for years he has been struck by the difference the service makes to people who are often too frightened to leave their homes after being burgled.
“With elderly people and people who have suffered domestic abuse, it is really nice to see the relief on their face when you change the lock because the perpetrator has taken the key,” he said. “You can just see them relax and it’s great.”
Charity director Mrs Shaw said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Vincent to the team, like our other operators, he brings a great deal of experience and knowledge, as well as kindness which is so important.
“We are incredibly proud of the service we provide, and the fact that do it without any local or central government funding. Vincent will help us to reach more people and make what we do even more valuable.”
Vincent, who grew up in Northern Ireland and lived in London, only came to Wiltshire after visiting a friend in Wilton, near Salisbury, and falling in love with the county.
“I was looking for a change and saw the then Chief Constable Elizabeth Neville’s message on the force’s website talking about how it embraced new technology and the opportunities it offered and I applied,” he said.
“I started in Warminster and I thought to myself I’d landed on my feet, I’ve loved it here. Wiltshire Police is like a family, the Bobby Van’s office is at headquarters and when I go in it takes me ages to get anywhere because I stop and say hello to so many people.”
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