Police catch 873 flouting lockdown
46 fined in Stirling over last two weeks
Cops in Stirling sent home more than 850 people in two weeks after they were caught flouting the coronavirus lockdown.
In figures released by the force, Forth Valley Division officers told 873 people in the Stirling sub-division to go home, between May 1 and May 13, after informing them of the rules.
A further 178 people had to be formally dispersed, according to police, after failing to heed the first warnings.
Nobody was dispersed through “reasonable force” and 46 fixed penalty notices were issued to those ignoring the lockdown. There have been no arrests in May.
Since April 6, two people have been arrested in Stirling for going against the lockdown.
On Wednesday, May 6, 223 people were dispersed when informed. A further 150 were recorded on Saturday, May 9. Within the Clackmannanshire subdivision, since the start of May, 30 people were dispersed. Twelve people were dispersed when instructed and 11 fixed penalty notices have been handed out this month.
Police in Forth Valley have thanked the public for their ongoing assistance and commitment to protecting their communities by complying with stay at home advice and social distancing.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson said: “Police Scotland and its officers and staff remain fully operational to help our communities.
If you are at risk of harm, if you think you have been a victim of crime, or witnessed a crime being committed, please, contact us – we are still here for you.
“Officers also remain visible in our communities. You will see them on the streets and in vehicles. They are there to be of assistance, and will engage with people as necessary, explain the new legislation to them, and will encourage anyone not complying to act responsibly and return home. Enforcement action will only be used as a last resort.”
The Observer told last month how a dozen people were slapped with fines after police split up a group in a pub in Tullibody. Eleven men and a woman were caught inside the
Abercromby Arms on Stirling Road.
Across Forth Valley Police Division – including the Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk sub-divisions – in total, since lockdown began 1663 people have been dispersed when informed; 41 have been dispersed when instructed; 17 people have been dispersed sing “reasonable force”; 209 people have been hit with fines; and seven people have been arrested.