Covid-19: Follow the spirit of lockdown says police chief
Devon and Cornwall Police has dedicated 'Covid cars' responding during lockdown. Picture for illustration only. - Credit: Tony Gussin
The police have urged people in Devon to act within the spirit of the national lockdown and not just to the letter of the law.
During the first week of current Covid-19 lockdown restrictions Devon and Cornwall Police received 921 Covid-19 related calls, almost half of these from Cornwall.
There were 433 incidents of officers offering encouragement, engagement, and education to the public to comply with regulations and 49 Covid-19 fixed penalty notices were issued.
Speaking on Thursday, January 14, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said during the pandemic the force area communities had been largely compliant and that had continued throughout the first week of lockdown.
He said: “We want all of our communities to act within the spirit of the national guidance, and to not only follow the rules set out in law.
You may also want to watch:
“Many officers have been asked in the last week what constitutes local exercise and how far can people reasonably travel – what I would ask is people do the right thing to protect themselves and others from further spread of Covid-19.
Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Shaun Sawyer has urged people to follow 'the spirit of lockdown' - Credit: Archant
“The Government is asking people to stay at home and only leave or travel for a limited number of reasons, including exercise.
Most Read
- 1 Man charged with murder of Northam pensioner
- 2 Council and police step up Covid enforcement in North Devon
- 3 Suspect remains in custody as Northam murder enquiry continues
- 4 Three more Covid deaths at North Devon District Hospital but cases are falling
- 5 Ram raid burglar jailed after rampaging crime spree
- 6 Developer 'lost for words' as town council rejects £20m Bideford wharf plans
- 7 Murder enquiry launched at Northam after death of elderly woman
- 8 Terrified shoppers fled Devon city centre attack
- 9 Sextortion warning for North Devon Facebook users
- 10 Covid-19: Follow the spirit of lockdown says police chief
“Local means to stay within your village, town or part of your city. While it may not be stipulated in law, be responsible and play your part in keeping your community safe.”
He said the ‘encouragement, education and engagement’ policy had mostly seen compliance with regulations and a change of behaviour.
He added: “We have dedicated Covid cars in operation throughout the force area to respond to public concerns and, where necessary, issue enforcement to maintain public safety.
“No officer wants to have to issue a fixed penalty notice. My plea to the public is don’t be that person who refuses to comply and puts yourself and others at unnecessary risk.”
Dedicated Covid cars were involved in 66 per cent of the responses to Covid-related calls received by Devon and Cornwall Police during the first week of lockdown.
For the full details of the latest Coviod-19 lockdown restrictions, go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
