Police officers from North Wales called in to enforce lockdown rules in Manchester

Police officers from North Wales were called in to enforce coronavirus regulations in Manchester over the weekend.

Members of the North Wales Police Intercept Team switched locations to join their colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to prevent large gatherings.

People living in the Greater Manchester area are currently required to follow local lockdown rules which mean they can’t meet people from outside their home in a private property or garden, unless they’ve formed a support bubble.

Residents are also unable to visit someone else’s home or garden, even if they live outside of the affected areas.

The team said: “Some officers from the Proactive Intercept Team traded in their fast cars for something a little more noticeable last night when they assisted Greater Manchester Police

“Officers were tasked with enforcing COVID-19 regulations in the Moss Side, Longsight and Hulme areas of Greater Manchester, dispersing large gatherings and issuing fixed penalty notices for breaches.

“Please do not call 101 or 999 for clarification on COVID-19 regulations.”

Tougher measures targeting those breaching coronavirus regulations on large gatherings will come into effect on Friday.

Those facilitating or organising illegal raves, unlicensed music events, or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine – placing a new deterrent on the breaches that put the public most at risk.

Fines of £100 can continue to be issued to those who participate in illegal gatherings and those who have already received a fine will see the amount of doubled on each offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.

It comes as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) warned police forces in England and Wales will continue to increase patrols to prevent illegal gatherings during the pandemic heading into the bank holiday weekend.

NPCC Lead for Unlicensed Music Events, Commander Ade Adelekan, said:

“We welcome this further deterrent against those who irresponsibly put people’s health and safety at risk by organising these events. Unlicensed music events are unlawful and unregulated. These events are hosted without regard for the safety of those attending, and police have observed cases of anti-social behaviour, sales of drugs and gang activity.

It is vital that forces obtain information about any illegal events at the earliest opportunity. As organisers are able to spread the word about these events quickly online, timely information about suspicious activity or plans enables forces to plan ahead and take effective action against them.

To the organisers of this sort of activity, I strongly advise that you seriously consider the risks you’re creating for everyone in attendance and the wider community. There is a risk of prosecution for those who organise these events and equipment will be seized.”

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