By Humberside Police issue warnings over lockdown parties and gatherings
Humberside Police have issued a warning over an increase in lockdown parties and large gatherings, stating that it will issue fines if necessary.
The Chief Constable of Humberside Police Lee Freeman says he will ask officers to fine people if they ignore advice.
Police have again warned that they will fine people if they repeatedly ignore lockdown restrictions after responding to a number of ‘large gatherings and parties’ over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Humberside Police said it had been “busier than we would have wanted to see across the whole Force area.”
In statement on social media it said:
“Lots of people not complying with Government social distancing guidelines and holding large gatherings and parties.
“Most dealt with through compliance however we have and will continue to enforce and fine if appropriate.”
But, many view advice from the police and the Government as conflicting. While Humberside Police have consistently targeted those ignoring social distancing measures, rules on outdoor exercise have now been relaxed, and many fear that this will be seen as permission to visit parks and congregate in large groups.
Many have claimed that gatherings over the VE Day bank holiday were caused by suggestions that the Prime Minister would announce a relaxation of lockdown rules the following Sunday.
Thus far, the strategy had been to avoid issuing large numbers of fixed penalties. But, on Friday officers dealt with over 1,500 calls from the public, with lockdown reports on top of that figure.
A tweet from North East Lincolnshire officers on Saturday said:
“Lots of people out enjoying the sun but also some not social distancing. The lock down won’t be lifted if people can’t observe the rules during the lock down.
“Police will engage, encourage, educate or enforce.”
Those who gathered in large groups, say Humberside Police, received advice to comply with the rules. Those that ignored police were fined.
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