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Rangers on patrol to keep the city safer

four PARC officers on the Barbican These are the people who are on the streets to try to keep us all safe.

Plymouth’s PARC rangers have become a regular sight as part of a concerted effort to explain, engage and educate everyone about the latest COVID-19 laws.

A team of 12 have been out and about, both during lockdowns and when restrictions have eased, to remind people and businesses, especially pubs, cafes, gyms and barbers, about the latest measures.

Over the most recent lockdown, which ended on December 2, they checked over 1,200 premises a week to make sure businesses that remained open had all the measures in place to help keep people safe.

Since the beginning of November they have carried out over 6,000 visits, popping in, saying hello, passing out guidance, posters and contact details for our Public Protection Service, who are responsible for enforcing the legislation. 

They are currently helping businesses adapt to yet more changes required for the city’s Tier 2 level. In the last week, they covered over 1,500 businesses, checking hygiene measures were in place and ensuring that cafés, restaurants and pubs, in particular, were clear about their role in ensuring people only visited as part of a household or bubble. They also report their findings back to the Public Protection Team for follow-up where necessary.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said; “Our PARC rangers did an amazing job over the summer to explain the measures as we all got used to being out and about. 

“Thanks to the hard work of everyone over the last lockdown, the figures have dropped. We want people to go out, to visit shops and cafés - with their family or bubble, but some of us may have got a bit slack and forgotten the basics. That’s where the rangers are incredibly useful - they remind businesses about what they need to do and issue the latest guidance where necessary.”   PARC rangers on patrol

The city was given £154,600 by the Government for compliance and enforcement activities in relation to COVID-19. The team covers the whole city during the day and night and is able to respond to issues when they arise. This weekend there will be more on patrol in the city centre, for instance. 

They do not have specific enforcement powers, but work with the Council’s Public Protection Service and Devon and Cornwall police, who may take enforcement action where necessary.

Councillor Haydon added: “They are our eyes and ears and provide practical support to businesses and the public, but they report back to our officers any issues.These regulations have not been brought in as some kind of challenge to get around the rules, these measures are about trying to keep people safe.”

Over the summer, the PARC rangers were funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner via the Safer Summer Streets fund. They had a visible presence in key areas of the city and responded to issues promptly and effectively. This not only provided reassurance to the hard pressed hospitality sector but also made people feel safer.

The PARC rangers will NOT be knocking on doors, will not be issuing fines or have the right to enter homes and anyone who tries to do that is attempting a scam. If anyone is approached in this manner, get in touch with trading.standards@plymouth.gov.uk.

Plymouth Against Retail Crime is a partnership set up to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour. Key partners are the Police, retailers, Plymouth City Council, the City Centre Company and others. For more information visit https://www.parcplymouth.com