Wiltshire Police Crack Down on Covid Rule-Breakers
Wiltshire Police have stepped up their game with targeted patrols and tougher enforcement on Covid-19 rules. Over the last month, they’ve ramped up interactions with the public, handing out verbal warnings and fines to those flouting the laws.
Covid Enforcement in Numbers
- 385 Covid-19 logs recorded from calls and online reports.
- 28 calls specifically about enforcing face covering rules.
- 155 direct officer interactions, mostly about face masks (100 cases) and large gatherings (54 cases).
- 105 warnings issued—13 to businesses ignoring regulations.
- 4 fixed penalty notices handed out: 2 for failing to self-isolate, 2 for gatherings over six.
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills explained the rise in numbers is linked to new PCSO patrols and improved recording processes. He said: “The increase in warnings and interactions is a direct result of our targeted patrols designed to engage communities and respond swiftly to breaches.”
Mills added these figures will likely climb as the force keeps up its vigil. While most people follow the rules, he warns about a stubborn minority risking public health: “We must act against those deliberately flouting the regulations.”
Crime Drops Amid Lockdown But Drug Offences Surge
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows Wiltshire saw a 5% drop in overall crime in the year ending June 2020—matching the national trend during the pandemic.
Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “Lockdown lowered crimes like shoplifting and burglary since people were home more. This freed up officers to target illegal drugs, which explains the 37% spike in drug offences.”
Domestic Abuse: A Hidden Pandemic
Macpherson also voiced concern about domestic abuse, which often goes unreported but likely increased during lockdown. He urged anyone affected to reach out: “The Force is taking this very seriously. Please don’t suffer in silence—help is available.”
For support on domestic abuse, visit the Wiltshire Police website.
To dive deeper into the full ONS crime report, head to their official site.
