Hampshire Police hand out 92 fines for coronavirus breaches over Halloween weekend

It has been revealed Hampshire Police gave out 92 fines for covid breaches over the Halloween weekend.

The force says that while the majority of people were following the guidance there were some who put their social life ahead of their health the health of loved ones, and those who are vulnerable.

Fines handed out in Hampshire over the weekend:

• On Friday and Saturday night 12 fines were issued to people having a house party at a property in Sherborne Road, Southampton.

• 25 fines were given to one group of people who were found to be having a house party at a property in Osbourne Road North, Southampton.

-30 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to people at a house party on Gordon Avenue in Southampton

-In Winchester a man was reported for a breach of COVID regulations after he allowed more than six people to gather in his house.

-The owner of Emporium on Elm Grove in Southsea was served with a £1000 penalty after they were found to be allowing a group of 12 people to attend the premises for a birthday party.

Assistance Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said:

“The only way we can get this virus under control and save lives is by everyone in the community sticking to the legislation and taking responsibility.

“The health regulations are in place to protect you, your friends, your families.

“Thankfully, most people in the community understand the seriousness of the situation and are following the guidance. It was great to see lot of people enjoying Halloween in a safe way.

“But this weekend has proved there are always a few people who ignore what is best for them and others, and make decisions that put other people’s lives at risk.

“The majority of the incidents we attended on Saturday night were house parties organised by adults and attended by significantly more than six people. Where this is still happening our enforcement activity is, by necessity, focused and robust.

“We will continue to focus our efforts on those who are intent on ignoring the legislation, at the same times as tackling offenders, reducing crime, and protecting those who need our help – with crime rates back up to pre-pandemic levels, officers are working really hard to keep the public safe.

“We must remember, it is only by us all working together to follow the legislation that we are able to limit the spread of the virus.

“I want to thank everyone who is taking their personal responsibility seriously and I want to assure you that we will continue to take action against those who needlessly put others at risk.

“The change in restrictions outlined by Government on the weekend come into effect on Thursday 5 November and more information can be found on the Government’s website Please refrain from calling us to ask questions about the new legislation, we need to keep our lines open for emergency calls.

“For now, it’s important to remember the restrictions that are currently in place, specifically the rule-of-six, the wearing of face masks, self-isolation rules and limitations on gatherings.

You can report possible breaches of regulations here.