The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has said he is confident Surrey residents will continue to support efforts to police the Covid-19 pandemic as the majority of the county faces Tier 3 restrictions for the first time.
The PCC praised the dedication shown by Surrey Police officers and staff during 2020 saying an already difficult job has been even harder this year as they adapted to working during the pandemic.
He asked for the public’s continued support as police teams prepare for the Christmas and New Year period ahead
It was announced today that all boroughs and districts in the county except Waverley will be placed into Tier 3, the Very High Covid Alert Level, from this Saturday (December 19th).
For advice on what this means for Surrey residents – please visit the Surrey County Council Coronavirus pages.
PCC David Munro said: “After an extremely difficult year already, I know that the Tier 3 move for the majority of the county just before Christmas will be bad news for residents and businesses.
“But the Covid-19 rates have been rising sharply in the county over recent weeks and these extra restrictions are now necessary to try and halt the further spread of this awful virus.
“From a policing perspective, the Christmas period will be business as usual and our officers and frontline staff will be working around the clock, as they always do, to keep people safe.
“If you need Surrey Police for whatever reason – their officers and staff will be here for you so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
“They have had to work in often difficult circumstances during this pandemic and on behalf on the Surrey public I would like to thank them all for their dedication and hard work in keeping people safe during these uncertain times.
“So far the response of the vast majority of the public in this county has been excellent and I would ask everyone to continue to support our police teams during the challenging Christmas and New Year period.
“I continue to support Surrey Police’s approach that enforcement should remain the last resort but anyone abusing the rules or refusing to comply with officers should expect to face the full force of powers available to them.
“Whilst the five day bubble period to see family remains, Christmas is going to be different this year and the best way to move back out of Tier 3 is for us all to work together and take personal responsibility by following the rules in place.”
Surrey Police is continuing to follow the national policing approach based on the Four E’s: Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce.