Police Crack Down as Covid Rule Breakers Face Warnings and Fines
Spike in Police Public Interactions Over Covid Rules
Police have ramped up enforcement of Covid-19 rules, with a sharp rise in public interactions and verbal warnings over the past month. Between 28 September and 25 October, officers have created 385 Covid-19 logs — made up of phone calls and online reports highlighting possible breaches. Of these, 28 calls were specifically linked to enforcing face-covering laws.
Hundreds of Face Covering and Gathering Warnings Issued
Officers recorded 155 direct engagements with the public to encourage compliance. These included:
- 100 instances of people not wearing face coverings
- 54 cases involving large gatherings
- One failure to self-isolate
In total, 105 warnings have been handed out — including 13 to businesses breaching regulations. Four fixed penalty notices were issued: two for failing to self-isolate and two for illegal gatherings of over six people.
Deputy Chief Constable: Targeted Patrols Driving Results
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills credited the rise in enforcement to new targeted patrols and better recording systems. He said:
“This rise in interactions and warnings reflects our dedicated PCSO patrols aimed at swiftly responding to concerns about rule-breakers. We expect these figures to climb as we continue this approach.”
Mills urged those flouting Covid rules to think of their community, warning the virus risk remains high.
Crime Impacted by Pandemic, But Drug Offences Surge
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also released crime stats for the year ending June 2020. Wiltshire saw a 5% drop in overall crime, matching national trends. However, drug offences spiked 37% as police focused more on proactive work during lockdown.
Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said:
“Lockdown meant fewer shoplifting and burglary crimes, but the demand on officers is nearly back to pre-Covid levels. Domestic abuse remains a major concern, as many cases go unreported.”
He urged victims to come forward and seek help.
For assistance with domestic abuse, visit 123.
