Home safety and security

The Bobby Scheme

The Cambridgeshire Bobby Scheme aims to help older and vulnerable people feel safer in their own homes. The 'bobbies' fit security equipment and provide advice to reduce the risk of burglary. This service is free for those who have been burgled.

For a small donation the Bobby Scheme helps improve security for older people who are at high risk or feel vulnerable, and disabled people who live alone. This may include installing peep holes, door chains, window alarms and other security devices. Find out more about the Bobby Scheme.

Safe and Well visits

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) carries out Safe and Well visits for those who are most vulnerable in our community. This includes those who smoke, have a disability or mental health problems. They are prioritised according to individual risk.

The service visits residents in their homes, and assesses six key elements. Visits take around one hour, and are free of charge.

  1. Fire safety in the home - including cooking, general safety and escape plans.
  2. Falls prevention - including simple remedial action such as replacing lightbulbs or taping down loose carpet.
  3. Alcohol use - Alcohol related hospital admissions are steadily increasing. illness in the over 65s is on the increase. We can provide you with helpful information.
  4. Stay well and warm - Can you afford to heat your home? Do you have access to a hot meal? Do you access the all the services available to you?
  5. Crime reduction - We can provide advice on making your home more secure in addition to advice to make you less vulnerable to scams or fraud
  6. Smoking - need a helping hand to quit? Our partners can offer you the help and advice you need to stop smoking.

Hoarding

A person who has mental health needs may not always be aware of the dangers to themselves in relation to fire. Storing and hoarding lots of belongings, papers or rubbish can be a fire risk. If you are worried about someone's hoarding, you can arrange for a safe and well visit.

Book a safe and well visit

Find out if someone is eligible for a free safe and well visit using the link below. Or contact the automated message line on 0800 917 9994 and leave a message including the persons name, address and daytime phone number to receive a call back.
Apply for a Safe and Well visit / find out more

There is a range of devices such as alarms and detectors to support people and their carers. This is both for everyday living and alerting you to dangers such as fires. Find out more about equipment and devices which can help keep you independent.

There are various community alarm services in Cambridgeshire (sometimes referred to as Lifeline/Life Line). A community alarm is a pendant alarm in your home which, when pressed, contacts a response centre to notify the service that you need help. A community alarm service can contact the emergency services and arrange for a GP, district nurse, next of kin, or named key holder to visit or help you. Some providers also offer a Key Safe so that trusted people can access your home in an emergency.

Enhanced Response Service

The Enhanced Response Service (ERS) provides peace of mind when you have a telecare community alarm or lifeline. The ERS responds to telecare alerts and people who need non-emergency assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The ERS is not an emergency service, nor are they clinical or medical responders. The ERS is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide social care activities, and offers a response similar to a good neighbour or family member.

The ERS will attend calls when there is capacity to support within the system and the call meets their criteria. At times the service will not be able to attend calls and will ensure your needs are diverted to an appropriate service.

The ERS can:

  • provide assistance to help you up following a fall
  • provide personal care that is needed in an urgent and unplanned circumstance, i.e. not part of a regular care package
  • provide reassurance following an incident at home
  • When the Enhanced Response Service can respond:
  • when usual key holders are not available, or non-contactable
  • where a suitable person can't be identified
  • when the usual care holder is unable to complete the care that is needed

Contact

Email: enhanced.responseservices@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Bogus callers are sometimes known as doorstep thieves. They trick their way into people's homes to steal money or property.

These people often work in teams of two or more. They usually prey on people who are elderly or vulnerable. Bogus callers can pretend to be many different people to get into your home. They often pretend to be council officials, gas or water board staff, or even the police. Most official companies will send you a letter first. You can ask your gas, water or electricity supplier to use a password when they come to your house.

Always

  • Use your door-chain or door-bar when answering the door and install a door viewer and an outside light.
  • Ask to see the caller's identity card and check it thoroughly. You can also ask the caller to wait on the doorstep while you phone the company to check.
  • Lock the door whilst you go and phone and don't open the door until you are totally convinced. People who are genuine will be happy to wait.
  • Ask them to return at an agreed day and time when you have someone with you. Don't let callers put pressure on you to let them in.
  • If in doubt - keep them out.
  • If you are suspicious - ring the police.

Bogus workmen may try to carry out unnecessary repairs on your home. They can be quite persistent and convincing. If a workman says you need repairs, tell them you will get some quotes for the work from other companies and get back to them. Always use a reputable company to carry out repairs or work on your property. Never part with money - don't do business on the doorstep.

What if I am worried?

If you do not feel confident about answering the door to strangers then contact your local police for free advice.
Telephone: 0345 456 4564

Every year millions of people lose money through scams. We are all potential targets for the criminals who might try to scam us.

Find out more about how to protect yourself and fight back against the scammers

Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough can also provide help and advice. 
Telephone: 0300 666 9860 for more information. 

Read Age UK's advice on dealing with problems with neighbours and anti-social behaviour.

To report anti-social behaviour you need to contact your district council:

If the incident is a crime contact the police on 101 (non-emergencies).

In case of emergency please call 999.

You can buy special fire alarms which include strobe lights and vibration pads.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can also contact our Sensory Services team who will give you advice and support on fire safety.

Related links