We’ll be tougher this time, police tell louts
ANYONE flouting lockdown should expect to be fined, police chiefs warned yesterday.
In a toughening of their stance, they vowed to ensure rule-breakers were handed fixed penalty notices.
It came as Scotland Yard yesterday revealed it had broken up a 200-strong party – with knives, hammers and other weapons found at the scene.
Police had been wary of damaging relations with the public after being accused of heavy handed tactics during the first lockdown. But this time senior officers expect there to be more enforcement as there are no longer any excuses for not knowing the rules.
Officers can issue a £200 fine for the first offence, doubling up to a maximum of £6,400 for those repeatedly breaking the rules. Anyone holding an illegal gathering of more than 30 people risks a larger penalty of £10,000.
West Mercia Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: ‘We will respond firmly but fairly, using all the powers available to us to take action against those people that flout the laws and knowingly put others at risk.’ Humberside Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble said: ‘Our teams will be patrolling hot spot areas, actively engaging with those who are out and about, and will tackle anyone blatantly breaking the regulations.’
The National Police Chiefs Council said: ‘Those who do not follow the regulations and measures put in place to limit the spread of the virus should expect to receive a fixed penalty notice.’
Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh, who represents rank and file officers in London, warned enforcement would be more difficult than in previous lockdowns due to the large number off sick or self-isolating.
National Police Federation chairman John Apter has called for officers to be prioritised for the vaccine.
Scotland Yard broke up the 200-strong party at a commerical premises in Kensington, west London, on December 30. The 43-year- old organiser claimed he had ‘just woken up’ despite standing in a room full of people and loud music. The weapons were found as guests fled.
A total of 24,933 Covid fines were issued in England and Wales between March 27 and November 16, latest figures show.