Police have issued more than 1,000 fines to Brits flouting coronavirus lockdown rules, it has emerged.
Matt Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that as of Thursday forces in England and Wales have given out 1,084 fines since the lockdown began.
The figures cover 37 of 43 police forces in England and Wales.
It comes as the Home Secretary revealed that crime has dropped 21 per cent overall in the last four weeks, but warned cyber criminals are exploiting the crisis to make millions.
Priti Patel also told Britons at the Downing Street press briefing on Saturday that police will be “unafraid” to take action against those who break social distancing guidelines this Easter weekend, as temperatures soar to 26C in some areas.
Mr Hewitt said there had been a “small minority of people” who have failed to follow the government’s guidance.
“This shows that the overwhelming majority of people are abiding by the rules and are staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives,” he told the Downing Street press briefing on Saturday.
“In those few cases where police forces have made mistakes with those new regulations, they have quickly sought to correct them and provide clarity.”
He added that police will now publish enforcement data every fortnight during the crisis.
Officers were out in force patrolling public spaces on Saturday, including Victoria Park which was packed after reopening at 8am following a three week closure.
Police in Greater Manchester revealed on Friday that they had broken up nearly 500 houseparties since the lockdown began.
Priti Patel also announced a £2 million public awareness campaign to help domestic abuse victims, after the National Domestic Abuse Helpline reported a 120% increase in the number of calls it received in one 24-hour period.
“For the victims of these crimes, home is not the safe haven that it should be and that is why I have been working with law enforcement, charities, schools, businesses and local councils to address this changing threat picture,” she said.
“I want to emphasise that anybody who is a victim of these crimes can still get help. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999 and press 55 on a mobile if you are unable to talk.”
