North Wales Police thanks public for observing coronavirus lockdown rules following ‘quieter weekend’

North Wales Police has thanked the public for following the coronavirus lockdown rules after experiencing a quiet weekend.

The force undertook a dedicated operation to reinforce the government message about staying at home and protecting our NHS.

Police officers, PCSO’s and special constables were all out on patrol across the region – on foot and in vehicles.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Harrison from North Wales Police said: “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank people for listening to government advice by staying at home.

“Whilst carrying out patrols across the region we did notice that our beaches, roads and communities were much quieter.

“The vast majority of those stops found local residents carrying out essential travel for food shopping or travelling to and from work.

“However disappointingly we had cause to speak to some individuals who had ignored the essential travel only advice with some travelling miles here for a ride in the car or to go kite surfing on the beach.

Concerns were also raised about holidaymakers and second homeowners travelling unnecessarily to North Wales.

T/ACC Harrison added: “Our advice is do not travel into north Wales illegally . Moving around can easily accelerate the spread of the virus.

“We continue to communicate this message to any visitors who are planning to travel to north Wales for the Easter break as well as to second-home owners and anybody staying in AirBnb premises.

“The NHS and other key workers are doing an incredible job in keeping the public safe, but we ask you to consider that increasing the population of our area will place an unreasonable burden on them.

“People should not think of ways of circumventing the law, this is about making sure loved ones don’t die because of a few  selfish actions, the police should not be needed  to reinforce common sense.

“Everyone must contribute to the national effort to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and I am grateful to the vast majority who have made significant changes to their daily habits and routines.

“We will continue to play our part. Teams are out and about and our officers will continue to engage with people, establish their individual circumstances and will continue to explain the risks and warn of the consequences of failing to comply with the guidance.

“We continue to ask people to consider whether their journey is essential. We all have a shared responsibility to protect the NHS, please use your common sense and help us together to save lives.”