Hampshire police issue more than 100 fines for lockdown breaches

The figures for March 26 to April 13 were revealed yesterday by the National Police Chiefs Council.

Authorities warned against comparing figures due to the way they are processed from force to force. But in the current list Hampshire ranks as the 12th highest geographical force outside of London.

The force issued 103 of the £60 tickets. Neighbouring Sussex police issued 163 and Thames Valley gave out 219. Lancashire issued 380 - the most overall. The Met issued 81.

Two women charged with breaching lockdown regulations had their charges dropped as they were also accused of shoplifting in Southsea.

Assistant chief constable Scott Chilton said: ‘Since the government restrictions were put in place, our officers have been engaging with members of the public as part of their patrols.

‘They have been explaining what is needed from the public and encouraging everyone to keep to the guidelines as this is the best way to protect the NHS and save lives.

‘Overall the response from the public has been fantastic and we would like to thank people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for working with us during these uncertain times.

‘As shown in the data released, there have been some instances across our districts where officers have needed to take action against those refusing to comply. It is crucial that we continue to do this.

‘For some, we are aware that being at home presents a heightened risk of domestic abuse. I would again like to remind those who are suffering that we are here for them and that they shouldn’t hesitate to call us.’

Nationally 39 fines were given to 16 and 17-year-olds and then rescinded as there are no police powers to issue them to under-18s.

Hampshire deputy chief constable Sara Glen, who is the NPCC lead for out-of-court disposals, said that nationally there had been 178,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour in the past four weeks, compared to 112,000 in the same period last year.

Olivia Pinkney, chief constable, has previously said she was ‘worried’ about anti-social behaviour during the lockdown.

Serious violent crime has dropped in England and Wales in the four weeks to April 12 - but last week saw an increase.

This has sparked fears of a surge in offences by people who cannot get hold of drugs.

Ms Glen said: ‘There's absolutely concerns there could be a correlation of people coming off the gear, going cold turkey and therefore the violence increases within the home environment.’

During the four weeks there has been a 28 per cent reduction in overall crime - a 37 per cent reduction in police recorded burglary, a 27 per cent drop in vehicle crime, serious assault, and personal robbery. Recorded rape offences have fallen 37 per cent.

Shoplifting has also dropped 54 per cent.

Fears have been raised of an increase in domestic violence amid enforced isolation at home, and police have seen an increase of 3 per cent in recorded offences year on year.

Drug dealers have been spotted selling from supermarket car parks, the director general of the National Crime Agency, Lynne Owens, has said.

Some dealers are trying to disguise themselves as key workers to adapt to the coronavirus lockdown.

Prices are rising with fewer drugs entering into the UK as Covid-19 restriction of movement rules make it harder for criminals to operate, she said.

She added: ‘Drug dealers moving illicit drugs are concerned about greater scrutiny as they recognise that with less people on the streets, they are more visible.

‘Of course, they will be looking at different opportunities, wearing high-vis clothing so they start to look like key workers, deploying or dealing from supermarket car parks where there may be more people around.’

Hampshire police has been contacted for further information.