Police make presence felt during lockdown
Police in Canterbury have had to escort people back to their houses for not abiding by isolation rules as part of a nationwide lockdown.
Canterbury district commander Superintendent John Price said all frontline officers had been asked to take part in patrols and maintain a visible presence throughout the region.
‘‘The majority of people have been positive and accepted the need to remain in the lockdown environment,’’ he said, describing the first day in alert level 4.
‘‘Unfortunately there is a small minority of people that have not adhered as they’re supposed to, and police have then taken a more focused approach with those individuals.’’
Price said police officers had been instructing people not complying with the rules to go home, and following them to make sure they did so.
Members of the public had also been calling police to report breaches of the requirements, Price said. Officers had been following up on the tips and would continue to do so.
Police wanted to engage people and educate them about their requirements, he said, but would use enforcement powers if needed.
‘‘We want to deter people from being out there when they shouldn’t be. It is a lockdown, and we need people to remain vigilant so that we can help the lead agencies to control this pandemic.’’
At alert level 4, those who do not work in essential businesses and services need to remain at home to help slow the spread of Covid-19.
People are able to leave their homes to go for a walk, but need to maintain a two metre distance from others.
A nationwide state of emergency was declared on Wednesday, giving police wide ranging powers. Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, police can enter any premises under the belief it would save lives or prevent injury.
Earlier yesterday, Police Commissioner Mike Bush said police would first issue a warning if people were flouting isolation requirements, and then arrest people if needed.
He said police would only prosecute serious offenders, but those arrested will be ‘‘having a little trip to our place’’ – meaning they will be detained.