‘The public are listening’

25 March 2020

Officers working across the Force area are beginning to see signs that members of the public are getting the message about staying at home, news welcomed by the chair of West Midlands Police Federation.
 
Jon Nott was commenting after officers in Billesley reported evidence of people social distancing.
 
“While at times yesterday officers were coming across people ignoring the Government’s orders to stay at home other than for four reasons – shopping for basic necessities, one daily form of exercise, a medical need or travelling to and from work where this couldn’t be done from home – there are definitely signs people are listening,” says Jon.
 
“People have to stay at home to slow the spread of coronavirus and give the NHS a chance of coping. It is also going to help the police service if rather than dealing with people flouting the ‘stay at home’ orders we can deal with the many other demands placed upon us.”
 
In a tweet, officers at Billesley said they were patrolling shops at Maypole and Selly Oak and finding ‘common sense prevailing’ with deserted streets and car parks.