£39,000 in Fines as Police Crack Down on Tower Hamlets & Hackney Covid Rule Breakers
Over 140 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) worth a whopping £39,000 were handed out in just two days across Tower Hamlets and Hackney. Police were on the warpath after spotting multiple breaches of Coronavirus regulations.
Massive Brick Lane House Party Ends in Chaos
On Friday, 15 January, officers crashed a wild house party on Brick Lane after neighbours reported loud music. Inside, more than 40 people were packed into an Airbnb, flagrantly ignoring lockdown rules.
The mood turned ugly fast. Three cops were injured amid hostile partygoers—one officer broke a finger needing hospital treatment. Three arrests followed for assault, possession of a Class B drug, and breaching Covid laws.
Even as police cleared the scene, some guests sneaked back inside against orders to leave. The property has now been slapped with a three-month closure notice, banning it from being rented out.
Another Rave at Hackney Place of Worship
The next day, 16 January, officers were called to a place of worship in Stamford Hill, Hackney, after locals tipped them off. Staff were busy clearing up after a large party found on the premises.
But the scenes repeated later that day, uncovering evidence of a second bash. The organiser is now staring down a potential £10,000 fine.
Police are actively working with religious leaders and groups to remind everyone of strict rules for gathering during the pandemic.
Non-Essential Businesses Also Flout Rules
- In Tower Hamlets, a mobile phone shop was caught open and serving customers.
- Officers broke up a queue of 60 to 80 people at a bubble tea shop.
- In Dalston, a pub was found serving customers indoors, breaking the rules.
Police & Mayors Slam Rule-Breakers
“We are almost twelve months into this global pandemic and frankly the rules… have never been clearer,” said Acting Chief Inspector Pete Shaw, Covid lead for Central East BCU.
“People breaking the rules this weekend did so willingly and put lives at risk. The spread of coronavirus in London is out of control. Hospitals and medical staff are stretched to the limit. Organising parties or opening non-essential businesses is an insult to their work.
“It’s shocking that some even assaulted officers doing their job. We will not tolerate attacks on emergency workers. Anyone who harms an officer will face the full force of the law.”
Shaw thanked Hackney and Tower Hamlets councils for their support in enforcement.
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “The measures are here to save lives and protect the NHS. Most residents follow the rules, so it’s right to act against those who flout them and endanger others. We’ll keep working with police to keep Tower Hamlets safe.”
Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney, added: “While most residents do the right thing, the council and police have teamed up to uphold public health rules. Though we can’t fine individuals for social distancing breaches, our officers advise residents and support police enforcement.
“Thanks to all involved in this battle against coronavirus. We’ll keep fighting to reduce the spread, but everyone must do their part.”
