POLICE have been out in Dudley town centre checking that COVID-19 rules are being followed.

Officers from Dudley Town Policing unit were in the bus station and town centre at the weekend as part of #opcolonel patrols.

They handed out face masks and told people to leave the area.

#opcolonel is an initiative to ensure that lockdown rules are being followed and has seen police across the West Midlands patrol retailers, shopping centres, bus stations and other areas where people gather.

Dudley Police team tweeted on Saturday (January 16): "Dudley officers have today attended Dudley bus station and town centre for #OPColonel patrols.

"Face masks have been issued and dispersal powers used."

Under lockdown people must stay at home whenever possible, except for when there is a “reasonable excuse”.

These reasons include work, volunteering, food shopping, exercise or medical reasons.

If the police catch someone leaving their home without what is classed as a “reasonable excuse” a fine can be imposed.

These fines are called fixed penalty notices.

The cost of a first offence is £200, which is lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days, and £400 for a second offence.