Devon and Cornwall Police have asked communities to follow the spirit of the Government’s COVID-19 guidance, not just the letter of the law.

Since the start of the national lockdown on Tuesday, January 5, through to Sunday, January 10, a police spokesperson said the force received in the region of 885 COVID-related reports of which 699 were deemed suitable for 3Es action (Engage, Explain and Encourage).

36 fixed penalty notices have been issued: this includes nine for outdoor gatherings, four for leaving house without reasonable excuse and for 15 indoor gatherings.

The spokesperson went on to say: “We have undertaken high-visibility patrols across the force which has resulted in over 800 stop-checks and around a dozen fixed penalty notices being issued.

“Our roads do appear to be quieter as shown by the notable reduction in road traffic collisions since lockdown, and crime is down around 11 per cent compared to pre-lockdown figures. 999 calls are down around 10 per cent but calls and contact to our 101 service is up around 23 per cent compared to the week prior to lockdown. 

“Devon and Cornwall Police operate over the largest geographical force in the country and we cannot be everywhere at once, so it is vital that all are doing their part in adhering to the rules of lockdown as this will ultimately save lives.

“The figures show the vast majority of communities are complying with the regulations and we will always look to respond to all calls where non-compliance is being reported.”

Officers will continue with a 4Es approach and are reiterating that personal responsibility from all of our communities remains critical.