Police Say Public Overwhelmingly Adhered And Stayed Home Over Easter

Police Officers, PCSOs and Special Constables have been out across the Humberside Force area this Easter bank holiday weekend, to ensure everyone remained safe and the Government’s guidance to protect the NHS and save lives was being followed in our communities.

The overwhelming response within our communities across East Yorkshire, Hull, North and North East Lincolnshire, has been to adhere to the measures in place, staying at home to play their part and help the country during these unprecedented times.

Chief Constable Lee Freeman said:

“I wish to thank all of those who chose to stay home and save lives this Easter.

“The approach I’ve asked my officers and staff to take in the first instance is one of engagement with the public, to talk to people and help them understand why the rules are in place and how everyone needs to pay their part.

“Over the weekend, we have issued eight fixed penalty notices to members of the public who have left us no other option. However, the majority of people have listened and worked with us and this is greatly appreciated.

“One example from this weekend was a street party that was reported as taking place in Hull.

“Officers attended and spoke to a number of people, who were all in their front gardens with members of their own household and fully adhering to social distancing guidelines.

“Officers gave words of advice and requested the guidance was continued to be adhered to, and left the local community to safely make the most of enjoying their evening. There were no rules or guidance being breached and my officers dealt with this situation with the type of common sense that I and communities have been asking for. 

“Since the new powers came into effect, we have stopped and spoken to numerous people, with the vast majority fully understanding and complying when asked to leave an area and to go home. This is undoubtedly the best outcome.

“However, we have and will continue to use enforcement where necessary, issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone who persistently ignores our advice or who refuses to comply and breaches the COVID-19 legislation.

“We continue to provide an online reporting portal for suspected breaches of the guidance, to ensure our emergency 999 and non-emergency 101 lines remain available for other incidents.

“We will decide if immediate deployment to these reports is necessary, based on the circumstances and also what else we are dealing with, but this has been used effectively over the bank holiday weekend. Whilst we will not be updating those who report issues to us, please be assured that every submission is reviewed and assessed.

“As we enter the fourth week of restrictions, I want to praise all our officers and staff who I am exceptionally proud of and who will continue to use common sense in how they police and will use enforcement when the actions of others leave them with no alternative.”