What police came across on Covid-19 lockdown patrols

Police have been out over the weekend on patrols to make sure people are following the Covid-19 lockdown rules. 

Derbyshire Constabulary had warned would-be walkers to "seriously consider" their actions before heading into the Peaks, after three men from north Manchester drove to Hayfield the previous weekend to walk in the hills. The trio, all from different households, were each fined £200 for breaching the regulations. 

On Sunday evening, Derbyshire's Roads Policing Unit said that a family from Lancashire were out walking in the Peaks, which they said is allowed "although not ideal". 

The family returned to their car, parked on the side of the Snake Pass, to find they had lost their keys. 

Police added: "With no phone signal and getting very cold, it was lucky one of our patrols was passing to get them to safety." 

Earlier in the afternoon, PCSO Morris from Glossop Police's Safer Neighbourhood Team had been in contact with residents at Woodhead Cottages (Tunnel Top) off the A628 Woodhead Pass. 

She attended regarding reports of "abandoned vehicles and possible Covid-19 travel restriction breaches". 

Three vehicles were found and 'Did you need to drive here?' advice leaflets were left on them, in line with the police's four-step process of Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce as a last resort. 

Glossop Police SNT said: "It is hoped that the first three steps used and applied by officers will ensure and prevent the last step being needed."

Meanwhile, seven other vehicles left in the car park at Crowden Village, off the Woodhead Pass, also received 'Did you need to drive here?' leaflets at around 5pm on Saturday, as police responded to reports of possible Covid-19 breaches. 

Officers also patrolled the Gamesley estate, Hadfield, Padfield, Tintwistle, Whitfield, Simmondley, Charlesworth, Glossop town centre and Old Glossop - while they also went to the Derbyshire Level area following reports of possible Covid-19 rule breaches in relations to visitors in vehicles coming into the area. 

Police are again reminding people of the government guidance to stay local to home for exercise and people who leave home without a reasonable excuse may be fined. 

Image: Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit

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