After nearly two decades of helping people feel safe in their homes, Wiltshire Bobby Van operator Mick Leighfield is set to retire at the end of August.
The 68-year-old, born in Swindon, has spent 18 years travelling thousands of miles across the county, changing locks and fitting home safety devices for older residents, people with disabilities, and those at risk of crime or domestic abuse. His retirement marks an incredible milestone - 52 years to the month since he first joined Wiltshire Police as a cadet in Devizes.
“I chose August for that reason,” Mick explained. “I loved my time as a police officer and also working for the Bobby Van but I think it’s time to do something different now.”
Mick joined the police cadets in 1973, following his older brother into the force. Although he had hoped to become a scenes of crime officer, he found his place as a community bobby, later serving in Salisbury, Netheravon and Pewsey. When former Prime Minister Ted Heath moved into Salisbury’s Cathedral Close, Mick trained as a firearms officer and joined the force’s tactical firearms unit.
“I came very close once but I’m glad I didn’t have to [fire a weapon in anger],” he said.
After 12 years with the unit, Mick became one of Wiltshire Police’s first diversity officers, working with ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities. “It was a really challenging but enjoyable time and I still keep in touch with a few of the people I came into contact with,” he said.
When the force amalgamated two divisions in 2007, Mick retired from policing—but by chance overheard a conversation about the Bobby Van Trust looking for a new operator. “I applied and had the interview on the Tuesday and accepted it on the Wednesday, so within a week everything changed,” he recalled. “Had I not overheard that conversation I would probably be stacking shelves in Tesco or something, it was very fortuitous.”
Mick said the satisfaction of helping frightened people feel safe is what kept him in the role for so long.
“I like talking to people and I think you need patience, understanding and kindness in this job,” he said.
“The good thing about it is the feeling when you go home that you've helped somebody that day. Changing a lock for somebody is just a little thing really but the difference it can make to their lives is huge. You see that in them almost instantly as you do it. The difference between the frightened and anxious person you meet at the door to the one who lets you out at the end of the job can be tangible.”
Mick and his wife Alison plan to enjoy river cruises, spend more time with their children and grandchildren, and indulge his passion for bowls at Alderbury Bowls Club. “I’ve got a long list of jobs at home that has been building up too,” he added.
Bobby Van Director Jennie Shaw praised his years of service: “Mick brought to the role not only decades of experience from his time with Wiltshire Police, but also the compassion, patience, and integrity that lie at the heart of everything we do. His commitment to helping those most vulnerable in our community has been nothing short of inspiring.
“Mick’s work has made a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across Wiltshire and Swindon. From fitting locks to offering reassurance and a listening ear, he provided more than just practical support – he helped restore people’s sense of safety and dignity at times when they needed it most.
“It’s hard to overstate the impact Mick has had, not only on the individuals he’s helped, but on our entire team. He has been a valued colleague, a mentor to many and a shining example of what it means to serve with empathy and dedication.”
For more information about the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, visit wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk.
📸 Mick Leighfield with HRH The Queen at a Wiltshire Bobby Van event
📸 Mick with Director Jennie Shaw on BBC1’s Crimewatch Live alongside Michelle Ackerley and Ray Wilding
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