Open letter from police chiefs outlines what Preston and South Ribble residents can expect during lockdown 2 on Covid rules

Police officers on horseback make their way through Preston city centre Pic: Tony Worrall

Lancashire Police have given an update on what Preston and South Ribble residents can expect from them during lockdown 2.

In an open letter to the public, the Police Chiefs of the North West thanked communities for the all the support during the pandemic.

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They said: “Along with police forces nationally, we have taken a very measured approach to enforcement. We used the 4E’s model of Engage, Explain, Encourage and only as a last reosrt Enforce, in relation to issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for breaching the Coronavirus legislation.”

Police Chiefs went on to call out a small minority of people across the North West “who seem incapable of demonstrating any civic responsibility” promising a firmer stance on enforcing restrictions and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices.

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Moving into the further restrictions from 00.01 on Thursday 5 November Lancashire Police want to send this message out:

To the majority of communities who have tried so hard to comply with restrictions, please carry on. It is hard, but everyone needs to maintain that shared purpose from the first lockdown to defeat the virus and, ultimately, save lives.
To the minority who feel the restrictions don’t apply to them be prepared to face the consequences of greater levels of enforcement. Police will collectively target those who flout the restrictions, particularly those organising large gatherings and music events, repeatedly holding parties or deliberately causing harm to communities by not following the restrictions, such as self-isolating where necessary.
A significant proportion of of recipients of Fixes Penalty notices think they can ignore them. Police are therefore seeking support from Government and the Judiciary to consider how they bring these people to justice rapidly.

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