THE pioneering Wiltshire Bobby Van featured recently on national television.

Alan Weston, one of the Bobby Van drivers and Sergeant Roger Bull took part in the BBC's Kilroy discussion programme on December 10.

They were there to talk about elderly people living in fear of crime.

Mr Weston said: "We were very proud to have been chosen by the BBC to present a positive image of the valuable work we undertake in Wiltshire. We can make a real difference to the quality of life of each and every victim of crime that we visit."

Sgt Bull said: "The Bobby Van Trust is a fantastic charity, and Wiltshire Constabulary provides the office accommodation, the administration and the fuel for the vans.

"We would dearly love to expand the scheme with a third van and driver, which would mean that around 500 more people would be helped each year in Wiltshire and Swindon."

The Bobby Van scheme was launched in 1998 and was the first such initiative of its kind in the UK.

Mr Weston and Rod Law, the other van driver, have called at more than 4,000 homes targeted by criminals carrying out repairs to doors and windows.

With distraction burglaries on the increase the men also give talks to community groups to prevent vulnerable and elderly people becoming victims of crime.

No victim of crime helped by the Bobby Van has ever suffered a second forced entry.