A POLICE charity in Wiltshire is hoping to expand to help more vulnerable people who have been the victim of petty crime.

The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust is a registered charity of two vans, equipped to repair doors and windows of properties hit by thieves and burglars, and drivers who can advise people on how to keep their homes secure.

Rod Law and Alan Weston work full-time fitting locks and repairing damage to doors all over the county for elderly and vulnerable people, including the disabled and victims of domestic violence and racial abuse.

More than 4,000 householders have been helped by the Bobby Van since its launch in 1998, and after the improvements no homes have been targeted again by criminals.

Representatives from the charity appeared on BBC1's Kilroy programme on December 10 to discuss ways elderly people can protect themselves from crime.

Mr Weston said: "We were very proud to have been chosen by the BBC to present a positive image of the 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."

Sergeant Roger Bull, Wiltshire's community safety and diversity officer, said: "The Bobby Van Trust is a fantastic charity to which Wiltshire Constabulary provides the office accommodation, the administration and 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."

Businesses or people keen to contact the Bobby Van Trust or help with fundraising should call (01380) 722341.