This page provides a list of frequently asked questions about the Bobby Scheme, the charitable arm of the Blue Lamp Trust which provides free home safety and security visits and practical support to vulnerable people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, particularly the elderly and victims of burglary and domestic violence. If you can’t find your questions on this page, please e-mail us.
What is the Bobby Scheme?
The Bobby Scheme is a free, practical service for the elderly and vulnerable within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We help clients make their properties safer and more secure, for example after a burglary, by replacing locks and fitting door chains and spy holes. We also install and replace smoke alarms and give clients advice on how to make their homes more secure. For a donation we can also supply and fit Key Safes.
Who is eligible?
Our service is free for adult residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who are:
- Over 60 years old
- Vulnerable due to circumstance – for example; serious physical or mental health issues
- Disabled
- Victim of burglary
- Repeat victim of crime
- Victim of domestic abuse
Can I refer someone from outside Hampshire?
What if the client is not the owner of the property?
What does it cost?
A visit is free to those who qualify. We supply and fit many safety and security items free of charge.
Due to the high cost of some items we do have to ask for a payment. These items include Key Safes and Ring Doorbells.
What can I do to secure my home?
There are plenty of things that can be done to improve the security of a home. Download our Safety Booklet for tips and advice. Alternatively, visit Hampshire Constabulary’s site for a range of crime prevention advice.
Who is the Blue Lamp Trust?
Who pays for the Bobby Scheme?
How do I book a visit?
Use our online form to book a visit. Click here to book a visit or make a referral.
Can I refer someone I know?
Anyone can make a referral, as long as the person you’re referring meets our criteria (see above). Please ensure the person you are referring is happy for a referral to be made on their behalf. Click here to access our online referral form.
Who are the fitters?
Our fitters are trained, uniformed, police vetted and carry IDs. We will advise the client of the name of the fitter who will be attending before they arrive. You can read about them on the Our People page
Do I have to be at home for a visit?
Once we have received a referral, a member of the team will contact the client or their representative to arrange a time and date for the appointment. The fitter will call to confirm when they are on their way. When they arrive they will be wearing their Blue Lamp Trust uniform and have an ID badge. They will then carry out a full safe and secure check of the house and talk to the client to understand their situation and requirements. Any agreed work will be carried out at the time of the appointment.
How does it work?
Yes, the client will need to be at home for the duration of the visit.
Can you fix my broken windows while you’re here?
No, the Bobby Scheme is not a repair or handyman service. Our fitters are not able to carry out any glazing work.
Could you come and talk to my community group about the Bobby Scheme?
Yes, our fitters can attend local community groups, where attendees would meet our referral criteria, to give talks about home safety and security and give further information about the Bobby Scheme.
Can you install CCTV?
No, we do not fit or fix CCTV systems and are unable to carry out any electrical works. However we can supply and fit a Ring doorbell at a cost.
Can you fit a key safe?
We are able to supply and fit key safes where necessary. However due to the high cost of these items we do ask for a payment of £75.
Please be aware that we can only fit key safes supplied by the Bobby Scheme.
What types of key safe can you fit?
We supply and fit the Supra C500 Pro KeySafe, an ACPO Police accredited Key Safe. The cost for the supply and fit is £55 (inc VAT).
Does the key safe come with a warranty?
Key safes fitted by the Trust carry a 5 year warranty against faulty operation of the safe or installation by the Trust
What video doorbells do you install?
We supply and fit the Ring 2nd generation wireless video doorbell. More details about the product are available on the Ring website https://en-uk.ring.com/products/video-doorbell-gen-2
How much does a video doorbell cost?
The cost is £90 (inc VAT) for the supply and fit. Payment is taken on the day of fitting.
Are there any ongoing costs with the video doorbell?
The Ring video doorbell comes with a free 30 day trial to Ring Protect Basic. If you wish to continue this you will need to subscribe to the plan via Ring https://en-uk.ring.com/pages/protect-plans
The current cost of Ring Protect Basic is £4.99 per month.
Will the video doorbell work without an ongoing subscription?
Yes. Without the Ring Protect Basic subscription standard features include instant notifications, live view and two-way talk.
Visit the Ring website for more information on the Ring Protect Plans https://en-uk.ring.com/pages/protect-plans
Do you supply a chime or additional cameras?
We do not supply a chime or additional cameras. These can be purchased separately from Ring or Amazon.
What technical requirements are there for fitting a video doorbell?
You will need;
- A smart device (phone or tablet)
- to have a strong WiFi connection at the front door
- to have your WiFi code available on the day of fitting
- to download the Ring – Always at Home app in advance of the fitting appointment
Will the video doorbell be set up for me?
The Bobby Scheme Fitter will assess that the location / property is suitable and if the WiFi strength is strong enough before fitting.
Once fitted the Bobby Scheme Fitter will guide the client in how to set up functions such as; motion zones, greying out recording areas, setting recording sensitivity and downloading data.
Does the video doorbell come with a warranty?
Yes. There is a 1 year manufacturers warranty from Ring.
How do you store my data
Please read how we handle your data here
