Police step up patrols to prevent lockdown breaches over sunny weekend
Police will be stepping up patrols this weekend over concerns good weather could encourage people to break restrictions.
Chief of Police Robin Smith says islanders could expect to see a greater police presence in the coming days and urged islanders to “stay home to save lives”.
Mr Smith said the force had so far seen “enormous compliance” with lockdown rules, and would be taking a tiered approach to breaches.
He added police would be using enforcement but only as a last resort.
Police will be taking information from anyone who is stopped and returning those in breach of rules to their homes.
Those found to be persistently breaking rules could be hit with ‘substantial’ fines, but Mr Smith said this would be done ‘reluctantly’.
He added surveillance would not be used to monitor islanders.
Although islanders are permitted to travel for exercise, Mr Smith encouraged islanders to think sensibly and exercise closer to home if possible.
Lockdown restrictions were put in place on Monday. Islanders are instructed to leave their house as infrequently as possible and only to shop for essential items, exercise or for medical reasons.