Bedfordshire Police chief calls on public to stay indoors to stop spread of coronavirus

Bedfordshire Police’s Chief Constable has joined calls for people to stay in to help contain the spread of coronavirus - and says the force will use new powers brought in by the government.

Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: "As the spread of coronavirus continues, these are deeply concerning times for us all. Each and every one of our lives will be impacted by this in some way.

"The government has given policing additional powers to enforce the measures restricting people’s freedom of movement, but I would make a simple plea to our communities as we don’t want to waste our valuable resources to ask people to go back in their homes – so please follow the guidance. Stay in, stay safe and save lives.”

He added: “As a police force we are having to work differently to continue our service to you – being innovative with technology to allow people to work remotely to help slow the spread of infection and taking appropriate measures when policing our communities, to be in line with government advice.

“But I want you all to know, we are still working hard to keep people safe, reassure communities and tackle those cruel individuals who may seek to profit in some way from this awful pandemic.

“We still have officers out on the front line, in our response vehicles and on foot patrol. We will still have staff ready to answer the phone and teams of detectives to investigate the crimes which sadly will continue to happen.

“While we may have to operate in slightly different ways, our focus is still firmly on protecting people and fighting crime, especially protecting the most vulnerable in Bedfordshire – so would continue to urge victims of crime, particularly of domestic or sexual abuse, to come forward."