Dorset Police issue five fines in first week of second lockdown

Since the government introduced the 'Tier 4' national restrictions from Thursday, November, 5, the county's force has taken 136 Covid-19 reports.

Thirty of those calls came on Saturday, November 7 and 31 on Sunday, November 8.

Dorset Police said the majority of these calls related to people gathering in groups, however, the force thanked communities for their overwhelming compliance and co-operation.

The force is calling for residents to continue to play their part in trying to limit the spread of Covid-19 across the region.

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Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Sam de Reya said: “The new national restrictions, although not as tight as earlier in the year, are tough, life changing and impact on everyone’s daily business. It is so important that we comply with them to ensure we protect our communities and our hospital admissions.

“The role of the police and our partner agencies is to educate, engage and encourage compliance so that enforcement remains a final option for us – my hope is it is something we don’t have to resort to in the vast majority of cases.”

During the second lockdown, a total of five fixed penalty notices have been issued to enforce the coronavirus legislation.

The majority of police and partner agency enforcement action earlier this year was against those from outside the area, Dorset Police said.

• 157 coronavirus cases confirmed in Dorset over last 24 hours
• No visitors allowed at Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals (bar a few exceptions)

ACC de Reya added: “These figures show that people living in our region are acting responsibly and safely to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community.

“If we do receive reports of breaches and these are threatening the vulnerable or likely to cause significant risk of harm, police will take action that is reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances.

“We will respond to cases where people are breaching the legislation to reiterate the risks and ensure compliance. However, if we need to take enforcement action, we can and will do so.”

ACC de Reya said: “These restrictions are for now – they are not forever. Thank you all for playing your part now and the chances of a return to less stringent measures in December are increased.

“We will continue to follow national advice and guidance locally, but the message to our communities is stay strong and help us to keep you safe.”