POLICE in Worcestershire have been sharing some of the reasons people have been caught out and about breaking strict social distancing rules.
Government imposed social distancing measures mean people must only leave home for essential journeys, including shopping for food and medicine, to go to work, or once a day for exercise in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Some people however have been caught testing the limits of what constitutes an essential journey.
Cops at OPU Worcestershire caught four men at Strensham services who had travelled from Glasgow to buy a car on Monday night (March 30).
Strensham services NB, 4 males have travelled down from Glasgow to buy a car from the services. Didn’t think the lockdown applied to them. That is NOT an essential journey.suitably advised. However both cars will now not start. D shift #summaryjustice #Covid_19 #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/AWKcRn1XEk
— OPU Worcestershire (@OPUWorcs) March 30, 2020
Police say the men were advised about the importance of staying home- before their cars would not start.
Over the weekend Sgt Paul Buffery from West Mercia Police took to Twitter to share his exasperation with a member of the public who said they were checking to “see if the pubs were closed” when questioned why they were out over the weekend.
Sgt Buffery responded: “My job not yours, go home.”
The face I make on nights when I'm Still stopping cars listening to People ridiculous excuses why they are out & about. Esp my favourite of the night "I wanted to check the pubs were closed" 🙄
— Sgt 628 Paul Buffery (@buffery628) March 28, 2020
Reply -my job not yours go home. #COVID19 #StayHomeSaveLives #StayAtHomeAndStaySafe pic.twitter.com/6j28HwPyYA
This comes as Redditch MP Rachel Maclean and Inspector Lee Page have urged residents to take social distancing measures seriously.
The pair spoke yesterday it discuss the situation on the ground in Redditch.
Speaking after the call, Rachel said: “First of all I’d like to thank Lee and his team for everything they’re doing to keep us all safe.
“It was reassuring to hear from the Inspector that the vast majority of residents are abiding by the Government’s social distancing measures. It’s critical that we all follow these measures in order to protect our NHS and save lives.
“The main message we need to get across is that people should not be driving to local beauty spots or gathering in groups at the Arrow Valley Park.
"Unfortunately, a very small number of people have done this and it has got to stop. Officers will be patrolling these areas.
“The police now have powers to enforce the Government’s measures. The police’s main priority is to inform and educate the public about the measures, and the vast majority of people are listening, but of course officers will fine people if they are deliberately flouting the rules."
Inspector Lee Page added: “As we enter the critical phase of our policing response to COVID-19 we are working to focus our resources towards the frontline. I’m confident our communities will continue to work with us and we will support them in turn by educating and guiding wherever possible.
“It’s reassuring to see the majority of people respecting the new rules to protect themselves and their families. The advice is simple - stay home, save lives.”
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