Former Wiltshire Police officer Rachel Davies is bringing nearly 25 years of crime-fighting and community policing experience to the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust’s Stay Safe Online team.
Her appointment comes as cybercrime continues to rise in Wiltshire, accounting for almost one in every two crimes investigated by Wiltshire Police. After spending the last four years of her career with the force’s fraud team, Rachel has joined the charity as SSO Referral Lead and Manager Support. She works alongside SSO Manager Toni Evans to lead a team of 11 volunteers.
Rachel Davis, second right, with DCI Debbie Hatch, left,
Toni Evans and Jennie Shaw
“The Bobby Van has always been part of the policing family, and having the opportunity to carry the knowledge and experience I’ve gained into a charity working so closely with Wiltshire Police was a no brainer,” Rachel says.
Her appointment has been welcomed by Detective Chief Inspector Debbie Hatch, who leads Wiltshire Police’s Fraud, Digital Intelligence and Investigation Unit. “She's a true asset and it’s phenomenal that she’s taken her skill set and knowledge to the Bobby Van,” she says. Director Jennie Shaw added: “I’m absolutely delighted she has decided to join us.”
The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust provides free home security and online safety services for vulnerable residents across Wiltshire. Its Stay Safe Online programme offers guidance to help people protect themselves from scams and fraud, access essential services safely and use the internet with confidence. Since 2017, the scheme has focused particularly on residents aged over 60 and adults with registered disabilities.
Last year, the programme received 154 referrals and helped 680 people gain confidence online. Fraud now accounts for more than 40 per cent of crime in the UK, underlining the importance of prevention and education.
The charity also offers home security and fire-risk assessments, installs protective equipment, and provides support to those affected by domestic abuse, including changing locks or creating safe spaces until police assistance arrives. More than 1,500 homes were secured last year, with over 200 awareness talks delivered. A digital doorbell installation service is also available free for eligible residents.
All services are free, confidential, and available via referral from Wiltshire Police, partner agencies such as Victim Support and Age UK, or directly from community members.
Further information about the services and the charity’s work is available via the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust website.
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