Dorset Police urge visitors to 'respect and protect' the county this Easter
There are extra operations and patrols in place this weekend
Dorset Police are calling on the public to stick to the current rules as they prepare for what could be the county's busiest summer yet.
Protect, respect and enjoy is the key message from the force this Easter and going into the summer.
The force have been working with Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council on a plan to help people come to the county and stay safe while they're doing it.
Extra patrols and extra operations are running through the holidays, with more officers patrolling the Weymouth and Bournemouth beaches.
EASING OF RESTRICTIONS
On Monday 29th March 2021 the Government's stay at home restriction was lifted and people can now meet others outside, including in gardens, in groups of up to six people or with members of two households. Outdoor sport and leisure facilities can also open.
In the latest easing of restrictions people are still being asked to work from home where possible, minimise their journey's and not meet people from another household indoors.
International travel is banned and those who breach restrictions could face a £5,000 fine.
Chief Constable James Vaughan said:
"This week marks the start of a brighter future for so many people in Dorset. We can now meet up with friends and family outside, revisit our favourite places and have a well-earned Easter break from the confines of home.
"We will continue our 4Es approach to the new legislation using engagement, education and encouragement to ask members of the public to comply with the regulations.
"Now that the stay at home restriction has been lifted we expect certain crimes will start to increase__ locally and nationally. It is important for our communities to know that we will be carrying out high-visibility patrols this spring and summer and that we continue to be here for them."
THANK YOU FROM DORSET POLICE
Dorset Police are thanking the county's communities for all they have done since the first lockdown on Monday 23rd March 2020.
Since then 118 special constables have worked over 31,470 hours and our 124 police staff volunteers have dedicated more than 2,666 hours. The Force's cadets have given 310 hours and their 13 leaders 210 hours.
Chief Constable James Vaughan continued:
"I am immensely proud of each and every member of our police family for the commitment they have shown over the last year to continue to protect the public and help keep them safe.
"It is highly likely this summer will be our busiest summer ever. While we welcome the boost it will bring to our economy, we need to ensure that we take proactive measures to manage any rise in demand on our policing service and keep our communities and visitors safe.
"We understand our communities may be feeling nervous about the coming summer months and we are asking everyone to respect each other and protect our environment while enjoying what Dorset has to offer."