Stay at home this Easter weekend and save lives, police are telling people across Harborough

Stay at home this Easter weekend and save lives, police are telling people across Harborough.

The Easter break is set to be a sunny one locally and traditionally families would be heading out to enjoy the fresh air and countryside.

But Leicestershire Police are warning: “Covid-19 remains a very real threat to our communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and our message remains the same – stay home and save lives.

“Our officers and staff from across the force are extremely grateful to you – the public – for following social distancing guidance and only leaving your homes when it’s absolutely necessary.”

Recently forced to isolate himself, Chief Constable Simon Cole said in a special message: “Sadly we are seeing the number of deaths from Covid-19 rising every day across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“We can all play a part in reducing those deaths and protecting the NHS by staying in. “We have seen people from all sorts of backgrounds being taken ill.

“That has included the Royal Family and the Prime Minister.

“One of my own household has been unwell and we have had to self-isolate.

“It’s vitally important we all keep following the advice issued to date in order to minimise the risk of this virus spreading throughout our communities.

“If you go out then you may catch more than just the sun.

“This isn’t a time to be making unnecessary trips to the seaside.”

Mr Cole added: “I would like to stress that our policing approach hasn’t changed since day one.

“Our officers and staff are continuing to engage with members of the public, explaining the reasons why people should stay at home and encouraging people to do so.

“Only if you don’t comply, will the measures be enforced by way of a fixed penalty notice. “So far we have issued 20 fixed penalty notices across the force area.”

The force has seen its demand for service from the public change.

For the weekend ending Sunday April 5, 2020 compared to Sunday April 7, 2019, the number of 999 calls received plunged by nearly 700 – from 2,851 to 2,168.

The number of calls made via 101 fell by nearly 650 – from 6,682 to 6,046.

In addition:

- Reports of serious violent crimes, which include assaults and robbery, dropped from 29 to 10

- Reports of domestic assaults declined from 299 to 288

- Reports of road traffic collisions plummeted from 618 to 240

- Reports of domestic burglaries were slashed from 109 to 54 and burglaries from premises other than dwellings fell from 43 to 42

- Thefts of motor vehicles decreased from 37 to 29 - and thefts from motor vehicles fell from 160 to 70

- Reports of shoplifting plunged from 121 to 43.

But there has been a drastic spike in reports of anti-social behaviour as they doubled from 301 to 613.

These are mostly related to reports of people not adhering to Government guidance.

Assaults on police officers over the same period climbed from 11 to 18.

But reports of assaults on other emergency workers fell from five to three.

“We have changed our patrol plans to deal with both Covid-19 and changes to what is being reported to us by the public.

“We are aware that commercial burglaries, cybercrime and domestic abuse are areas of concern to our communities.

“But while there has been a reduction in the number of reports we’ve received for a variety of offences, I would ask that you remain vigilant so that you don’t become a victim of crime,” insisted Mr Cole.

“For example, if you have to go out for some daily exercise, make sure that your doors and windows are locked and secure.

“If you’re going to the supermarket for essential foods, please take caution and hide or remove any valuables that might be in your vehicle.

“If you’re making a report, you can do so online.”

Andy Williams, chief executive of the health clinical commissioning groups in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “It is really important that people continue to stay at home as most people have already been doing, particularly as we head into the Easter weekend.

“I’d like to thank everyone for everything you have been doing so far.

“Staying at home may seem like a small step but it really does have a big impact in slowing the spread of the virus.”

He added: “We have tripled the number of critical care beds in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to make sure we can treat the most seriously ill patients.

“But the local NHS can only continue to cope if people do follow the Government’s advice. “So please do stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.”

Always call 999 in an emergency.

- Further information about making a report online can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/- Leicestershire Police is supporting a new website which can help people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland find support teams during the current pandemic.

- The One Prepared site includes information and advice on helping to look after vulnerable people and help those suffering financial hardship.

- Further information can be found by visiting www.llrprepared.org.uk/one-prepared