Residents in Portsmouth, Hampshire, can now book free home visits to help them stay safe from internet scams following the launch of a rebranded digital security programme. The Blue Lamp Trust, working with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, has launched the Safe Online scheme to protect vulnerable people from losing money to hackers, phishing emails and other online scams.
The service sends police‑vetted advisors to the homes of eligible residents — those aged over 60, or adults (18+) with a disability — to check device and network security. According to a Hampshire Alert published on 3 February 2026, the advisors help with practical tasks such as securing home Wi‑Fi, managing passwords and teaching people how to spot fraudulent messages designed to steal personal information.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has highlighted online crime as a major threat to the region and cited figures showing that the large majority of cyberattacks begin with phishing emails. Local crime data also show Portsmouth has a higher recorded crime rate than much of Hampshire, and the city has been identified as a focus for outreach because of its dense population and the disproportionate impact of digital scams on older residents.
The Safe Online initiative updates a long‑running Blue Lamp Trust programme that historically focused on physical home security (locks, door chains, alarms). Residents can self‑refer for a free digital safety visit or be referred by family, carers or professionals who are worried about their online safety.
For more information or to arrange a visit, see the Blue Lamp Trust and Hampshire Alert announcements.
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