Plymouth police's neighbourhood officers are continuing to patrol the city centre and waterfront just days after the lockdown rules were relaxed.
Marking the eighth Friday since the pubs and clubs were urged to close, the Charles Cross neighbourhood team has invited PlymouthLive to join them on yet another sunny day to highlight how, in the main, it is business as usual.
The patrol comes just days after Devon and Cornwall Police's Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer confirmed that the easing of the Covid-related restrictions and amendments meant his officers "have no role in enforcing social distancing, wearing of masks or distance of travel as the Government have made it clear that there are no longer restrictions on how far people can travel to exercise or for open air recreation."
However, he said there was still a role for police and the "Covid-focus will now turn towards groups of three or more people outside of one household, and public gatherings as these are not lawful under the amended regulations which took effect on 13 May 2020."
He has warned: "Where the evidence is clear and as a last resort, officers will use enforcement options that are available to them."
Join us as we live blog the patrol.
Southside Street is busy this evening
It's around 6.30pm now and the fish and chip shops around Southside Street are all very busy with long queues from the door where staff get customers to shout their order and pay using a touch card machine.
The game of hunt the suspected drug dealer is a daily one
The suggestion that a suspected drug dealer is doing business further into town is revealed and Pc Ottley and Pc Fisher head back to their car and we're off on blues but not sirens.
Other officers are already there including PDArnie and his dog handler. Unfortunately, while there's a number of people at the location, many of whom are known to officers, the main suspect is not. We cover the back lanes and alleyways to no avail.
One think leads to another
After Sgt Davison spotted a couple of people acting suspiciously he pops downstairs to ask them a few details. A couple quickly make an exit, but the officer garners enough information which marries up with other details his colleagues have collected in recent days and so we're off at speed to...
Police call at a number of properties
And especially visitors who are, well... let's just say they are involved in certain habits...
Neighbourhood team meet up to knock on doors at city centre flats
To Colin Campbell Court where the section aim to do a bit of community reassurance regarding one property which has been highlighted to them due to certain activity
On the way back
We stop for a man as he looks like someone the officers want to talk to about damage to a Chinese herbal store.
Code zero
As we head back into the station code zero alert is heard on the radio. It means an officer needs help and is being attacked. We uturn sharply and watch as three other squad cars belt out the door A few seconds later the radio announces the suspect is in cuffs and the code zero is stood down. Pc Fisher remarkes that it makes her blood run cold.
Busy around town
Roads around town are busy. We’re checking lots of little back roads. Pc Fisher notes the radio is strangely quiet. So quiet she asked Pc Ottley check to see if they’re working. It’s one of those suspicious “it’s too quiet” moments.
Briefing and out on the street
First up is a briefing Charles Cross police station where sgt Davison informs section what’s been going on in the patch and what everyone needs to look out for. Discussion over misper, wanted, who’s in custody and why, trouble spots and Covid-related assault on an officer.
Another job that needs talking about is a builder that has been arrested for allegedly assaulting two other builders.
So much for social distancing on building sites.
Insp Robin Loveridge alerts the section that he will be in meetings next week regarding preparations as to how city centre stores aim to reopen and the difficulties that will undoubtedly cause. Not least because it will see a return of the usual suspects - shoplifters, scammers and assorted bag snatchers and thieves.
A mugshot board is examined by the Sgt, 3 PCs and 3 PCSOs and then we head out.
Within a few seconds Pc Katy Fisher spots a man who, on first glance, appears to be very interested in the corner of a derelict shop’s doorway.
The way a man would if he was on his way home after consuming a very large quantity of liquid.
However, closer inspection reveals the man, who has an arm in a slim, is not in need of relief. He does, however, have a plastic bag holding some tablets and what appears to be the remains of a joint.
Police fines - more than 13,000 issued
Earlier today it was revealed that more than 13,000 fines had been issued across England and Wales for breaches of the lockdown.
Although the vast majority of people have abided by the lockdown - with just 0.02 percent being given fines for breaching rules.
Full report here.
Police activity
Today’s police activity comes after cops set up a two hour road checkpoint on May 6 when full lockdown restrictions remained in force.
Officers from the south and central neighbourhood team, based in Charles Cross police station, stopped vehicles after a rise in the number of people refusing to socially distance and those out on non-essential journeys. More here.
Things you still can't do under the terms of lockdown
As with before, you cannot: visit friends and family in their homes exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool use an outdoor gym or playground visit a private or ticketed attraction gather in a group of more than two (excluding members of your own household), except for a few specific exceptions set out in law (for work, funerals, house moves, supporting the vulnerable, in emergencies and to fulfil legal obligations) If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.
What am I allowed to do that I couldn't do before?
There are a limited number of things you can now do that you could not do before:
spend time outdoors – for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking, or sunbathing
meet one other person from a different household outdoors - following social distancing guidelines
exercise outdoors as often as you wish - following social distancing guidelines
use outdoor sports courts or facilities, such as a tennis or basketball court, or golf course – with members of your household, or one other person while staying 2 metres apart
go to a garden centre
At all times, you should continue to observe social distancing guidelines when you are outside your home, including ensuring you are 2 metres away from anyone outside your household.
