Coronavirus lockdown: Police and military launch boat patrols in Devon and Cornwall to keep beaches clear Exclusive: Police to crack down on holidays to Devon and Cornwall, force chief tells i

Police in South West England have joined forces with the military to launch boat patrols along the coast this Easter weekend as fears grow over an influx of holidaymakers and second-home owners flocking to beaches as temperatures soar.

In an exclusive interview with i, one of the region’s leading police officers said the Devon & Cornwall force would be patrolling the M5 motorway on the Somerset and Devon border to stop tourists from breaching the coronavirus lockdown rules and will order anyone without a legitimate reason to travel to turn around.

Paul Netherton, Deputy Chief Constable for Devon & Cornwall Police, warned that if people from across the UK did not abide by the lockdown rules then the UK faced far more stringent restrictions on their freedoms.

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DCC Netherton said: “We are working with the Ministry of Defence Police this weekend. Their marine fleets from bases in Portsmouth and Plymouth will be operating along the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall coastlines ensuring people do not gather unnecessarily on beaches. They have Tannoy and can tell people to move on from just off the coast.”

Public urged to stay at home

The marine fleet of the Ministry of Defence Police, which is more usually seen escorting Royal Navy ships into port and through shipping channels, operates rigid hulled inflatable boats – RHIBS – and launches.

“We will also be patrolling the beaches, but we will also be ­sticking to our strategy of engaging with ­people and asking them why they are on the beach,” added DCC Netherton. Then we will explain the rules to them and, finally, ask them to return home. Only if it’s necessary after these three steps have been taken will we issue notices.”

He said his force had issued very few fines so far, but that police would be more “robust” in their approach to imposing the lockdown restrictions this weekend.

He also confirmed police will be patrolling the M5 motorway and would have no hesitation in turning away anyone attempting to enter the South West without an acceptable reason.

“There are fears among people who live here that there will be more people travelling down this weekend,” DCC Netherton said.

“As a consequence, we will be a bit more robust on stopping people travelling to Devon and Cornwall. This will include stopping caravans or cars with roof boxes and asking drivers why they are coming down, where they are going and what’s their justification for travelling.

“We don’t want to use these powers, but we will turn people away if they do not have a legitimate reason to travel.”

Airbnb bookings on hold

Paul Netherton, Deputy Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall, expressed relief that the accommodation service Airbnb had suspended bookings for everyone other than keyworkers.

“The vast majority of people here have behaved sensibly, but there are concerns over this weekend. If people don’t observe the lockdown this weekend then the next step is going to be like in Italy. People will not be permitted to travel more than 200 metres from their home and our freedoms will become more limited. That’s why we are urging people not to come here,” he said.

There will be more flights by police helicopters as the health crisis has led to a rise in attempted suicides, and helicopters are used to get officers to the scene quickly.