Police issue 25 fines in Devon and Cornwall in first day of lockdown

They were called to a house party and a bonfire gathering.

Author: Jo Symes Published 6th Nov 2020

A total of 25 fines have been handed out to people across Cornwall and Devon since the second lockdown started.

Devon and Cornwall Police say they were given to those breaching rules around parties and bonfire night gatherings.

“Those fines related to gatherings. We attended had a house party the night before the additional restrictions came in and then last night it was a bonfire related gathering.

“It's gatherings and parties which are just flagrant breaches of what is really clear legislation about how people can meet outside.”

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew, Devon and Cornwall Police

The new lockdown restrictions came into force as of Thursday 5th November and are expected to last until Wednesday 2nd December.

Officers are urging people to follow the restrictions to help keep Covid levels low in the South West.

“Fines aren’t the answer. We don't want to enforce but we will enforce when people are putting others’ lives at risk. Fines will scale up.

“Sadly, we've had to issue a number of fines this week but hopefully that number will reduce over the weekend when people settle back into what the restrictions are and what it really means for us.”

ACC Glen Mayhew

To find all the latest on the current coronavirus lockdown restrictions, visit the Government website here.