Wight Aid donates £450 to boost Isle of Wight community safety
Wight Aid has handed over £450 to a charity backing crime prevention on the Isle of Wight. The cash will fund the printing of Bobby Scheme leaflets to spread the word about the free home security service.
Bobby Scheme: Free Security Checks for Islanders
The Bobby Scheme sends expert fitters to the homes of elderly residents and crime victims. They offer security advice and install safety gear like locks, spy-holes, door chains, and smoke alarms—all free of charge.
The scheme has operated across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for 20 years but recently paused on the island after its dedicated fitter retired.
New Bobby Scheme Fitter Relaunches Service
The service bounced back in November with former police officer John Eldridge stepping in as the new Bobby Scheme fitter for the Isle of Wight. Wight Aid trustee Geoff Underwood handed the donation to Nick Hayward from The Blue Lamp Trust, the charity that runs and funds the scheme, on 8 November 2019.
Nick Hayward, who lives on the Isle of Wight, said: “The Blue Lamp Trust and its innovative Bobby Scheme are extremely grateful to Wight Aid. Their generous cheque of £450 will be used to publicise and inform islanders of this important free service.”
Trusted, Police-Checked Experts Protect 17,000 Homes
The Bobby Scheme’s trained fitters are all police-checked, wear uniforms, and carry ID cards. Over 20 years, they’ve visited over 17,000 homes, conducting full crime-prevention surveys and offering tailored advice to boost household safety.
The scheme is backed by emergency services and local authorities, focusing especially on vulnerable people and victims of burglary or domestic violence.
Isle of Wight residents who want a free home visit can email [email protected] or call 0300 777 0157.
