Vincent Logue, former Wiltshire Police Sergeant with thirty years service under his belt has, on retirement joined the team operating our local Bobby Van. He will join Mick Leighfield and Doug Batchelor, also former Police Officers in aiming to keep the elderly of our area safe.
The Bobby Van team 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. The service is completely free.
Vincent replaces Will Todd who has just retired from the team. But Vincent isn’t ‘new’ to the Bobby Van and how it helps the community. Part of Vincent’s time in Wiltshire Police was as the Force’s liaison with Bobby Van. “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.”
You may well have seen or spoken with Vincent over the years. Most of his thirty years service was for the Wiltshire Force, and as well as spells in Corsham, Chippenham Salisbury and Warminster, many years were spent Policing around here serving Marlborough, Pewsey and Devizes, and one of his claims to fame in Pewsey is that he was arguably responsible for getting booze banned from the annual Carnival. But now his role will be just that bit different.
The Bobby Vans are mobile workshops kitted out with tools and parts. The team 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.
Although he has been aware of the charity’s work for years Vincent has been struck by the difference the service makes to people who are often too frightened to leave their homes after being burgled.
Charity Director Jenny 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.”
To find out more about the work of the Bobby Van charity click their site at: wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk