Police’s warning as thousands flout rules
10 ARRESTED, 11 FINED AND MORE THAN 1,000 REPORTS OF BREACHES OVER THE WEEKEND DESPITE TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS TO CURB VIRUS
POLICE were called to 1,106 reports of lockdown breaches last weekend alone – a 25 per cent increase on the previous weekend.
Greater Manchester was placed under tighter restrictions nearly two weeks ago, after a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in nearly all of the ten boroughs.
Despite this, from last Friday to Sunday, GMP received calls about 540 house gatherings and parties, and 48 reports of licensed premises breaching restrictions.
Officers attended 40 of those reports, leading to 10 arrests and 11 Fixed Penalty Notices (fines) being issued.
Police say recent spikes in the region have been centred around house parties with 17 and 18-yearolds. Ahead of A-level results this week, Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey urged young people to stick to the rules while celebrating.
“I understand that A-level results are coming out this week and people will rightly want to celebrate,” ACC Bailey said.
“However, please be mindful of the Covid regulations in your celebrations as we do not want to spoil what should be a joyous occasion by issuing FPNs at any house parties or illegal gatherings.
“It is worth noting that recent spikes in Greater Manchester which lead to the additional restrictions were centred around house parties with 17/18-year-olds. “As the restrictions have eased, it may seem as though the virus is no longer as much of a threat, however this is absolutely not the case.
“We are very much still in the middle of a pandemic and are seeing increasing numbers of Covid cases across Greater Manchester.”
National figures show that people between the ages of 18 and 41 had been issued the most fines for breaching Covid-19 restrictions.
New legislation published by the Government last week prevents people from meeting other households inside a private home or garden, or socialising with them in indoor public venues.
GMP say they have increased resources across the conurbation, in order to prevent illegal events and gatherings.
As part of the new legislation, police can now issue fines to occupants or hosts who encourage the breach of regulations.
Last weekend, officers prevented an illegal car meet in Wigan. Two illegal gatherings in Salford and Rochdale were shut down by police who attended.
ACC Bailey added: “I understand that people want to return to normality as soon as possible, but in order for us to be able to achieve this, it’s important that we as a community follow the regulations and guidance to stop any increase from occurring in virus transmissions.”
“Coronavirus doesn’t discriminate – absolutely anyone can get ill whether you’re old or young and it’s imperative that we continue to treat this situation seriously and adhere to the rules in order to reduce infection rates. Even though you may not suffer serious symptoms yourself, by breaching the regulations which are put in place for public safety, you could end up spreading the infection to loved ones who may not be so fortunate.
“I would like to remind people to please take note of the new regulations and not meet up with members from other households in indoor spaces. We will continue to engage with the public and explain the new legislation, encouraging people to take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others, but where people continually flout the rules, we will act.
“We shall continue to investigate house parties and illegal gatherings and, with the new legislation in place, we shall specifically target those who are organising the events and encouraging others to breach the regulations and put others at risk. by attending.”
Recent spikes were centred around house parties with 17 to 18-year-olds Assistant chief constable
Nick Bailey