Police issue warning of 'increased levels of enforcement' against those 'putting others at risk' amid latest lockdown

Hampshire Constabulary has admitted it will not hesitate to clamp down on those flouting the rules which came in today.

The authority has already shown its teeth to those disregarding rules - with Emporium Bar on Elm Grove, Southsea, among those paying the price for breaches.

A Halloween party of 12 people at the weekend saw the bar owner served a £1,000 fine.

It was one of 33 incidents at the weekend where health regulations were being breached resulting in police dishing out 92 fines across the county.

Following the second lockdown, assistant chief constable Maggie Blyth has now issued a plea to the public.

‘Whilst engaging, explaining and encouraging people to comply will remain a focus as officers react to the circumstances they are presented with, enforcement for blatant breaches is necessary,’ she said.

‘We know lots of people are weary of the changes to the rules, and recognise the impact of the pandemic on people’s livelihoods and the impact of these further measures.

‘As part of our response we will work closely with partners and communities over the coming days and weeks. The support we continue to give to the public of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remains vital.

‘To the vast majority who have complied with restrictions throughout this year. I’d like to, again, say thank you and urge you to please carry on doing so to ensure that we do not lose the momentum and shared purpose that we have had so far.’

The assistant chief constable then warned: ‘To the minority who feel that the restrictions do not apply to them, including those organising large gatherings and deliberately holding parties or events that put people at risk, please be aware that we are increasing our levels of enforcement in line with the threat that we are facing to people living in our communities, and to our NHS.

‘We won’t waste time with endless encouragement for those who knowingly or deliberately break the rules.

‘People recklessly ignoring the regulations should expect to receive a fixed penalty notice. It is only right that those who are putting others at risk should face consequences.’

Police are also urging people not to call and ask questions about the new legislation as the force needs to keep lines open for emergency calls.

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