The Evening Echo is teaming up with Southend police to encourage more older people to take advantage of a free scheme to improve their home security.
The Help the Aged Handyvan scheme aims to make pensioners feel safe in their homes, but police are keen to increase numbers of people taking advantage of the service.
It was launched in November with funding of £60,000, secured through a partnership of Southend police, Southend Council and Help the Aged.
Launch : Handyvan man Pc Paul Hanson discusses what's on offer with Geoff Bridge, Andrew Leggett and Joyce Joslin Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
The touring van man will fit home security products at older people's homes for free with a priority being given to those who are vulnerable or recent victims of crime.
The range of products installed can include door chains, mortice locks and bolts, spy holes, smoke alarms and low energy lightbulbs.
PC Lyn Fenn, of Southend police, said: "This scheme is invaluable in terms of reducing burglary in homes of the elderly within the borough of Southend.
"It incorporates methods of target hardening, such as the fitting of security devices and installation of SeniorLink Bogus Caller Alerts within pensioners' homes. Burglary has a devasting effect on the victims.
"By fitting items such as better locks, and encouraging the use of door chains and door viewers our pensioners will be able to check callers properly.
"This has not only been proven to prevent burglaries but it reduces the disproportionate fear of crime felt by our older population locally."
The scheme, which has already made 58,000 people in the UK feel safer in their homes since it was launched in 1995, will help make homes harder targets for criminals such as burglars and bogus callers.
It is aimed primarily at pensioners on low incomes and no charges will be made for labour or the products installed.
All Handyvan fitters will carry photo identification cards and arrive by appointment for the comfort and security of clients.
The service is free to pensioners who do not pay income tax (excluding that paid on pensions) and whose disposable assets are less than £16,000 (not including house value).
Referrals for the scheme can be made by older people themselves or their friends or family.
Published Friday, April 11, 2003
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