Fewer COVID fines and arrests in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Police has issued significantly less Fixed Penalty Notices for breaches in the COVID19 guidance in the last week.

Between Monday 20 -26 April, the Force recorded:

• 31 incidents linked to COVID19 - compared to 58 the week before
• 13 crimes linked to COVID19 - compared to 6 the week before
• Issued 12 Fixed Penalty Notices - compared to 47 the week before
• Made 2 arrests linked to breaches in the COVID19 national guidelines - compared to 4 the week before

Assistant Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, who was on-call over the weekend, said: "These figures continue to show that the majority of our communities are listening to and abiding by the current Government restrictions which is great to see.

"Our primary focus on engagement rather than enforcement is reflected in the significant decrease in the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) officers have had to issue over the last week.

"To date, we've issued around 138 fines since the new policing powers came into effect. We have always been clear that enforcement will only be used as a last resort and this is reflected in the small number of fines compared to our populations in Wiltshire and Swindon.

"I would like to thank every person who is continuing to adhere to the social distancing guidance and for staying home, protecting the NHS and saving lives."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson said: "This morning, we heard from the Prime Minister that we must carry on with the current restrictions until the risk of a second peak has passed.

"It is, therefore, pleasing to see that the vast majority of our communities continue to act in a responsible way by adhering to the restrictions.

"I know many of them will be feeling fatigued and perhaps impatient, but we must do the right thing and carry on protecting the NHS and those most vulnerable.

"Officers are continuing to engage with the public first and foremost and enforcement will only be used if necessary. I would like to reassure the public that there are processes in place which examine when fines are handed out to ensure they have been done so appropriately.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank officers and staff who continue to keep us all safe during a very unsettling time."

The latest guidance can be found at www.gov.uk