North Yorkshire Police say they will use all the powers they have to keep people at home and obeying the restrictions announced last night by the Government.
A joint statement has been issues this morning by Lisa Winward, Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, Andrew Brodie, Chief Fire Officer of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
They said: “It is our job to keep North Yorkshire safe and we can only do that if you follow the instruction to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
“We know the vast majority of you have already been taking action to stop the spread of Coronavirus, and we thank you for those efforts. But some have not – and the crowds we saw in some parts of North Yorkshire this weekend illustrated that all too clearly.
“Now there is no ambiguity, there can be no question – if you do not need to be outside for an essential reason, to buy food or medicine or to exercise once a day, you must stay at home.
“Anyone who thinks this does not apply to them is putting lives at risk. North Yorkshire Police will use all powers we have to stop that, to keep us all safe and to ultimately save lives.
“Our emergency services will be here to protect you throughout this national emergency. We know these are unsettling times. They are unprecedented times. But across North Yorkshire we stand together, and together we’ll get through it.”
Inspector Mark Gee, from Richmondshire police, added that his his neighborhood policing teams would be out on patrol in the district to “inform and warn” people where necessary.
The police officer urged parents to talk to young people to ensure they knew the seriousness of the situation.
He said: “Richmondshire is a great place to live with a strong community which will pull together to help each other.
“From a policing point of view we need to make sure everyone, adults and young people, obey by the rules that have been out in place.
“I would urge parents to talk to young people and make sure understand that these rules have been put in place to keep everybody safe and well.” [kofi]
