Covid-19: Eight in 10 fines throughout West Mercia given to young men
A police chief has urged youngsters to stay at home after it was revealed eight in 10 fines throughout the region are given to young men.
West Mercia Police issued 30 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) between March 23 and April 13, and Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said while the vast majority of people were staying at home, some were still flouting the rules.
The national release of policing data relating to new Covid-19 legislation shows eight in 10 fines were issued to men, with two-thirds being between 18 and 34 years old.
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Chief Constable Bangham said: "Following the Bank Holiday weekend and the national release of the policing data in relation to the new Covid-19 legislation, I wanted to add my thanks to our many and varied communities across West Mercia for following the guidance and for doing the right thing – staying at home in order to help save lives.
"My officers continue to be out in their communities, dealing with crime and keeping people safe, and at the same time they are now dealing effectively with the new responsibilities and risks presented by the virus. The statistics we have been able to share on use of fines by way of FPNs show that we are using these new powers proportionately.
"Thirty FPNs have been issued in West Mercia between March 12 and April 13. I believe this demonstrates that our supportive approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging, and only using enforcement action as last resort, is working.
"The vast majority of people are abiding by the guidance and the rules, and we appreciate their support and cooperation."
He added: "However, we have had a small minority of people who, despite our best efforts, have refused to follow the instructions and officers have needed to use their enforcement powers. Where there is a clear breach of the regulations and no reasonable excuse, then we will take action.
"The vast majority of fines - eight in 10 - are given to young men, with two-thirds being aged between 18-34. I therefore appeal directly to our younger communities – please stay at home and do not put either yourself or us in a position where we are having to take enforcement action against you.
"The stay at home measures are there to limit the spread of the virus and to keep us all safe, so please play your part. You are not immune and neither are those you come into contact with.
"This virus affects us all in one way or another. Let us continue to work together as effectively as we have been so far to minimise the impact on us all. Thank you for your continued support."
