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Life in Lockdown

Fearing Arrest in Locked Down Germany How an ex-copper’s husband nearly came

a cropper Janet Curtis , Section UK Writers’ SIG “Look out, Andy, they’re coming for you.” A police helicopter circled overhead, while Andy ducked for cover. Corona Virus lock down in Germany proved more than we had bargained for when Andy was suspected of cycle theft, and our alternative lifestyle in a motorhome might have been about to end. O ur intention had been to spend four months traveling very slowly through Bavaria. We do not speak German, but by observing what was going on around us, Andy guessed that something was happening. He eventually found an English language internet article, which told us that lock down was being enforced that very night. We pondered whether to break for the border or hunker down where we were. We decided to sit it out and dashed to Aldi where we were pleased to find toilet rolls and pasta aplenty. The Burgermeister, or Town Mayor, gave us permission to park our motorhome in his Stellplatz for the duration of the lock down. A Stellplatz is a free parking area where we could empty our toilet and buy water and electricity, which saved us lots of money in camp site fees. After ten weeks of not spending anything on parking, fuel, restaurants or tourist attractions, we decided to spend our unexpected surplus cash on two much longed for electric bikes. I gave my old push bike to one of my new friends, while Andy left his at the entrance to the Stellplatz, with a notice declaring the bike was “free.”

Before long several people showed an interest. Andy went out to talk to them but the people made no attempt to interact with him, it seemed most peculiar. He came back to the van and we watched from the window. Three people, in two cars, just waited next to the bike, not talking, not doing anything, just waiting. Then a police van arrived. As a retired Police Officer, I had guessed what was happening. But Andy, with no Police experience, had no idea. The policeman turned the bike upside down, to me it was obvious what was going through his mind; Andy was trying to get rid of a stolen bike. When Andy was summoned to show his papers, I could tell he was really worried. I felt very mean; as I knew everything would be alright and I could not help laughing. Poor Andy did not have the same faith in the outcome and he was really concerned. To me it seemed simple; we were parked next to a river, so if the bike had been nicked, it could soon have disappeared into the murky depths. After the cop left, the people took the free bike without so much as a thank you, I might add. Before long a Police helicopter began to circle overhead, landing at the Red Cross unit behind us. I teased Andy that they were looking for him and he was none too happy with me. A week later, Andy was taking our dog out for her late night walk, when his route took him past a police incident. To Andy’s horror a policeman’s voice rang out through the darkness “Ah,” boomed the Officer in Andy’s direction “The Englander!” Andy’s heart stopped beating. Then the cop elbowed his colleague in the ribs and burst out laughing “The Englander who gives away the bike.” Andy did not find it very funny, and it was quite some time before his pulse returned to its normal rate. Andy’s fame will live forever in this quiet German town. Memories of Corona Virus and the pandemic will no doubt live forevermore in many people’s minds. For our part of it, Andy and I will always remember spending our lock down in Germany. Andy will certainly never forget the experience; facing arrest, in a foreign country, where you do not speak the language. I hope you continue to enjoy your e-bike Andy.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 65 No.3, 2020