Rotherham's district police commander urges people to stay home this bank holiday weekend

AHEAD of the Easter bank holiday weekend, police Chief Sup Una Jennings is urging residents to stay home as preparations are underway to further increase the officer's presence across to Rotherham to enforce the Covid-19 restrictions.
Rotherham police chief superintendent, Una Jennings.Rotherham police chief superintendent, Una Jennings.
Rotherham police chief superintendent, Una Jennings.

RESIDENTS are being urged to stay home over Easter as preparations are underway to increase officers' presence across Rotherham to enforce Covid-19 restrictions.

South Yorkshire Police Chief Supt Una Jennings said officers and PCSOs were working tirelessly to provide support, particularly to elderly or vulnerable people that really need help.

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“At a time where so much of the situation we find ourselves in is out of our hands, the one thing we can control is how we respond to it,” said Chief Supt Jennings. 

“The more you stay at home, the more you are helping to save lives. It is as simple as that.

“Officers have upped patrols across the town in recent weeks, working alongside Rotherham Council to explain the new measures to local residents and businesses - with PCs having been re-deployed from other duties to encourage compliance with the government’s instructions.

“Our priority is to keep people safe. At this stage, anyone who continues to ignore what is being asked of them is directly putting lives at risk. We will not tolerate it here in Rotherham and my officers are ready to respond.”

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Chief Supt Jennings added that the role of her officers was to stand alongside the NHS and protect its frontline. 

She said officers were doing all they could, but that everyone had a part to play. 

For people who continue to flout social distancing rules, officers are starting to move towards implementing the powers available to them, which includes dispersing gatherings, instructing people to go home and issuing on the spot fines.

“I know that for some, this period is especially difficult and I want to personally appeal to those who may be suffering at the hands of someone they know,” added Chief Sup Jennings. “If you are a victim of domestic abuse, if you feel at risk, or if you have concerns about a friend or neighbour, please report this to police. 

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“Nobody should feel scared in their own home. Please know that we are here for you.”

The police superintendent thanked everyone supporting them to save lives and protect the NHS and asked that people continue to work with them over the coming weeks. 

For further information about South Yorkshire Police’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, visit their dedicated website: southyorks.police.uk/covid19.