'Follow lockdown rules for chance of a better Christmas' - police chiefs
Police in the West Midlands and Staffordshire will "always go out of their way" to make sure people follow the law as the second lockdown begins, chiefs have warned.
The Police and Crime Commissioners in the region have made a plea to the public, urging them to follow the rules and protect those who are vulnerable around them.
PCCs David Jamieson, for the West Midlands, and Matthew Ellis, for Staffordshire, have said officers will make sure people are sticking to the rules.
Mr Ellis said if members of the public were strict with themselves for November, then there was a chance of a happier Christmas – rather than one in lockdown.
He said: "I urge everyone to follow the Covid restrictions around the lockdown. We have a chance, if we do, of a better Christmas than if people don't.
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"2020 has been a shocking year and I for one will be glad to see the back of it.
"The restrictions are a sad necessity and those ignoring them are not only breaking the law, they are putting older and more vulnerable people at serious risk.
"We must defeat this virus by staying strong and protecting those who are not so strong."
The national lockdown comes into force today and people have been told to stay at home for four weeks, unless making essential trips to work, school or for food or medical appointments.
Mr Jamieson added: “Whilst I have every faith the overwhelming majority of people in the West Midlands will continue to follow the rules that have been put in place to try and reduce the spread of Covid, the constant changing of those rules by the government is leading to a lot of confusion.
“West Midlands Police will always go out of their way to explain the law, but it should be noted that they will also expect the rules to be followed.
“As we have seen recently there are some large fines being handed out by the police for people who deliberately and flagrantly breach the regulations.
“I’d urge everyone to follow the latest regulations at all times.”
