Machibet LiveCops WILL help supermarket staff enforce face mask Covid rules if shoppers become aggressive, says Met chief | The Sun - Machibet Live

COPS will help supermarket staff enforce face mask rules if shoppers become aggressive, Britain’s most senior officer has said.

Met Police leader Dame Cressida Dick warned officers would not hesitate to step in if Brits flouted strict laws on face coverings.

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Dame Cressida Dick has said the police will move quickly to fine lockdown breakersCredit: PA:Press Association

Police patrol among public taking exercise in Hyde Park, LondonCredit: London News Pictures

Under current rules, Brits must wear a face covering in all indoor public spaces - unless they have a medical exemption.

But the government has pledged to crack down on anyone flouting the rules - and officers will “move quickly” to issue £200 fines for those unable to produce a valid reason for not wearing a face mask.

Dame Cressida said that cops would assist supermarket staff if customers became “obstructive and aggressive” when told to wear a mask. She said it was “preposterous” for people to claim they didn’t know the rules.

It comes as Aldi today joined Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury's in banning shoppers who refuse to wear face masks in their stores.

Sainsbury's will also bring in security guards to enforce mask laws as well as make sure people are not shopping in groups.

Morrisons will also stop customers from going inside without a face covering unless they are medically exempt as part of tougher restrictions.

Shoppers who arrive at a Morrisons store without a face mask will be offered one free of charge by staff - but will be denied entry if they refuse.

'WON'T BE DOING THAT'

But West Yorkshire Police Federation chairman Brian Booth this morning warned that there were not enough officers “to stand at every supermarket”.

He said: “If there is an ongoing crime, an assault or danger to someone that must be the priority but we just don't have the resources to stand at every supermarket.”

Asked if cops would enforce face mask rules in supermarkets, another senior police leader told : "We won't be doing that."

They added: "Do people really want the police telling you: 'That's not above your nose'?

"There are no extra officers. Everything else [crime] is still happening. Where is the greater risk: do you put two people in a supermarket not wearing masks before a woman suffering domestic violence?

"You need clearer, consistent messaging, not new rules and more enforcement."

A chief constable added: "I don't think we need additional powers, I need additional clarity about the exceptions, about how far people can travel."

Jessica Allen and Eliza Moore were fined £200 each for driving five miles for a walk in Derbyshire Credit: EUGENE HENDERSON

It comes after Derbyshire Police apologised and scrapped £200 fines handed to two women who had driven five miles to go for a walk.

Boris Johnson warned yesterday lockdown rules may be tightened again to stop Covid spreading even further.

Banning exercise with people not in the same household bubble and making masks compulsory in busy outdoor areas are said to be under consideration.

Writing in The Times, Dame Cressida said: "It is preposterous to me that anyone could be unaware of our duty to do all we can to stop the spread of the virus.

'PREPOSTEROUS'

"We have been clear that those who breach Covid-19 legislation are increasingly likely to face fines.

"We will still be engaging, explaining and encouraging, but those who break the rules or refuse to comply where they should without good reason will find officers moving much more quickly to enforcement action."

The Met is still using its '4Es' - Engage. Explain. Encourage. Enforce - approach to policing the Covid lockdown.

Officers stop people on the street and ask them where they are going and why they have left their home.

Dame Cressida also blasted Covid lockdown rule breakers who hold parties, meet in basements to gamble or attend unlicensed raves.

Britain's top cop slammed a "small minority" who "flagrantly ignore the rules".

Speaking this morning, she called for the definition of "local" exercise to be improved and said the Prime Minister's cycle seven miles from his Downing Street home wasn't illegal.

Jessica Allen thought the police must have been joking at firstCredit: EUGENE HENDERSON

Eliza Moore said she was 'stunned' as cops 'surrounded' her and her friendCredit: EUGENE HENDERSON

Meanwhile, Britain's policing minister Kit Malthouse accused people of "searching for loopholes in the law" to flout the lockdown.

He urged Brits to consider if they should meet a pal for a coffee and said they shouldn't go to the supermarket without a mask, with flouters facing police fines.

Mr Malthouse said: "We are trying to strike a balance between maintaining compliance with the rules and elements of public consent to what's happening.

"Where there are unreasonable people who are breaking that rule, police are intervening."