Police warn that £10,000 fines will be handed out if people in Harborough flout new Covid-19 lockdown rules

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Officers say the majority of people have been great but a small minority will still put others at risk

You could be fined up to £10,000 if you flout the new Covid-19 lockdown rules across Harborough.

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That’s the stark warning being issued by Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith.

The senior Leicestershire Police officer spoke out as the force said: “The majority of people understand why the rules are in place.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith.Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith.
Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith.

“But there still persists a small minority who are determined to ignore advice and legislation, therefore putting everyone else at risk from this deadly virus.”

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ACC Smith, who’s spearheading Leicestershire Police’s operational policing coronavirus response, said: "I really want to thank all of the people in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland who have followed the rules throughout, often in challenging circumstances, to prevent the spread of the virus.

“It is clear to me that the majority take personal responsibility for themselves and their families, understanding that we are all in this together and it is up to us to keep ourselves safe.

"However, the small minority are making poor choices and putting others at risk from this disease.”

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She stressed: "Often, my officers are dealing with parties or gatherings, arranged by people who believe themselves to be above the law and prepared to risk spreading the virus to others.

"This cannot happen.

“Without your co-operation we cannot contain the disease.

“And although our approach has always been to engage, explain and encourage people, we are now in a position where we must use enforcement against people who take these risks.

“I cannot stress enough that anyone could face a 10k fine from police for breaking the rules.

"We all want to get life back to normal.

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“However, we have to accept that isn’t going to happen right now and those who are breaking the rules are prolonging the agony of others, their actions having an impact on local businesses, the NHS and people’s lives.

"I urge people to remain sensible this evening and respect the efforts being made by the many to protect each other.”

To watch police breaking up a large illegal house party in Atkins Street, Leicester, click on this link: https://www.leics.police.uk/news/leicestershire/news/2020/november/police-remind-people-not-to-break-the-rules-ahead-of-lockdown/

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