Lancashire Police's chief constable says lockdown fines are a 'last resort' following highest number in the country

Officers across the county have issued 380 fines for breaches of government public health regulations, more than 10 per cent of the country's total.

Between March 27 and April 13, 3,203 were issued by the 39 police forces. Even larger forces such as Metropolitan (81 fines) and Greater Manchester (38 fines) didn't issue as many as Lancashire.

The Government announced on March 26 that officers would have powers to issue £60 fines to people who failed to comply after officers had spoken to them, explained the risks to public health and encouraged voluntary compliance.

The force's chief constable Andy Rhodes said although most people across the county had complied with the restrictions, officers have recorded more than 4,800 Covid-19 related logs.

He said: "Our aim has always been to encourage and support our communities to comply fully with the restrictions by engaging, explaining and encouraging. The vast majority of people are fully complying with the guidance and advice and we thank them for helping to stop the spread of the virus.

"We are clear that only when faced with non-compliance will we then enforce as a last resort for individuals who have not responded to engage, explain, and encourage and where public health is at risk.

"We moved quickly so our officers had a mobile solution to be able to issue FPNs, if they needed to, the day after the coronavirus legislation came into force. We have recorded more than 4800 COVID-19 related incident logs from members of the public between Friday, 27 March and Monday, 13 April and the number of fines issued is just a small percentage of that total.

"This represents a proportionate use of enforcement as the last resort for a small number of people who have refused to cooperate. We have also received overwhelming support from our communities and just three complaints about the issuing of a fine."

Ch Con Rhodes added that officers have been using 'common sense' when issuing the fines and are only doing so when absolutely necessary.

He said: "We’ve been clear with officers that they should use their judgment and common sense around the legislation. The new powers we have been given are proportionate and necessary to address the threat this pandemic presents but we will only use them when we need them. We will continue to police by consent and with the trust and help of our communities."

He added: ""This is an unprecedented public health emergency with an unprecedented national effort to fight this virus. We’re all in this together and each and every one of us has a role to play by following the government advice. Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives."

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, also said the force have been 'clear' in using enforcement as 'a last resort.

He said: "The vast majority of the people of Lancashire are engaging with the restrictions in place to help tackle this unprecedented public emergency and ultimately, save lives.

"Lancashire Police have been clear – only when faced with non-compliance will enforcement be used as a last resort. This is a proportionate response to the challenge and threat that this pandemic presents the people of Lancashire and this country.

"With the overwhelming majority of people supporting our emergency services and following the Government's instructions, it has been inspiring to see communities come together and support our most vulnerable at such a difficult time.

"Going forward, officers will continue to play their part, engaging with the public. Only by working together, complying with the restrictions and stopping the spread of this virus can we support our emergency services who work around the clock in all circumstances to help keep the wider public safe."

The figures come as the National Police Chiefs Council announced crime has reduced since the outbreak of coronavirus.

Police forces have seen crime reduce by 28 per cent in the four weeks to April 12 compared to the same period last year.

The provisional data also shows serious assaults and personal robbery have fallen by 27 per cent and rape 37 per cent. Falls have also been seen in residential burglary (down 37 percent), vehicle crime (down 34 per cent) and shoplifting (down 54 per cent).

Calls to 999 are down by 14 per cent and we have seen a 13 per cent drop in 101 calls. Many more people are reporting online – a 61 per cent increase.