WITH burglary as one of Bexley’s top policing priorities, Bexley police are reminding residents of the free Bobby Van service.

Run by the police, Bexley Council and Victim Support Bexley, the van tours the borough offering a free upgrade of people’s home security.

Burglary victims are automatically referred to the Bobby Van carpenters and residents can also request a visit.

Both carpenters, Lee Ranson and Errol Cole have been security vetted and can offer a five-lever mortice chubb lock, heavy duty door chain, wide-angle door viewer to see who is calling, window locks and smoke alarms.

They will not fit new locks if the carpenter considers the existing ones are adequate.

Launched in 1999 with a grant from the National Lottery it secured 750 homes in its first year.

It now has two vans and two carpenters and visited 944 homes last year.

To request a Bobby Van visit, call freephone 0800 389 5013 and you will be contacted directly to arrange an appointment.

Afterwards, no one will call to inspect or demand any payment.

People are advised not to let anyone into their home unless they have made a prior appointment.