Extra police patrols will be out to make sure lockdown easing rules are not being abused. EXTRA police patrols will be out to ensure people do not become complacent now that lockdown rules have changed. The rule of six returned on Monday, meaning up to six people or two households can gather outside or in private gardens. But while Northumbria Police have praised the vast majority of residents for abiding by the coronavirus restrictions so far, they have issued a firm warning that Monday's changes are only the first part of a gradual return to normal. Extra patrols will be taking place in parks and in the rural countryside across the Northumbria force area.