People across Harborough face being arrested if they flout the tough new coronavirus dispersal powers, police are warning

Offenders could be fined £60 for breaking the new social distancing, anti-virus rules – and £120 if they do it again
Police have been out and about in Market Harborough town centre. Photo by Andrew Carpenter.Police have been out and about in Market Harborough town centre. Photo by Andrew Carpenter.
Police have been out and about in Market Harborough town centre. Photo by Andrew Carpenter.

People across Harborough face being arrested if they flout the tough new coronavirus dispersal powers, police are warning.

Police have been given the power to break up groups of more than two people in public as the Government steps up attempts to stop the disease spreading.

Offenders could be fined £60 for breaking the new social distancing, anti-virus rules – and £120 if they do it again.

Leicestershire Police have now handed out new advice to people after the dramatic new legislation came into force on Thursday March 26.

Police said:

- The legislation states that officers in Leicestershire will be able to disperse groups of more than two people from any public place. Groups of more than two people – who live in the same household – are permitted

- Anyone who refuses to disperse will be given a fixed penalty notice of £60. This will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days

- Second time offenders will be issued with a £120 fixed penalty notice. This will then double on each further repeat offence.

- Anyone who does not pay a fixed penalty notice under the new regulations could be taken to court. Magistrates will then be able to impose unlimited fines

- Anyone who refuses to comply will be acting unlawfully. This may result in being arrested, where it is deemed proportionate and necessary. However, the first instance, police will always apply their common sense and discretion.

“Officers from across the force will be working to ensure people are complying with the law. Over the coming days and weeks, we remain committed to community policing within our neighbourhoods,” said Leicestershire Police.

“Our preferred style is to engage, explain and encourage – and then enforce only when needed.

“Our officers will engage, explain and encourage members of the public in situations where we believe they may not be complying with the new legislation – and this may include interactions in public places and in vehicles.

“Working with our partners, we will provide a proportionate response to public concerns around groups or businesses that may be contravening the legislation.

“We will identify any areas of continual public concern.

“In such areas, a policing presence will be a priority.

“In situations where encouragement does not succeed, officers will enforce the legislation outlined above.”

The force’s assistant chief constable, Julia Debenham, said: “First and foremost, these new measures are in place to save lives and protect our loved ones.

“We will be helping to enforce the terms of the regulations, as the public would want us to.

“Our advice very much remains the same – and echoes that of both the Government and healthcare professionals.

“Stay at home and help us overcome the outbreak.”

The senior officer insisted that police will still be working flat out to “communicate” with local people rather than reaching straight for the nuclear option.

“We want to listen to the queries, concerns and thoughts of the public and do our best to help.

“If you are out in public, in a group of more than two people, officers will ask that you separate.

“The current advice is to ensure that we distance ourselves from one another to prevent the virus from spreading,” said ACC Debenham.

“Asking people to disperse is in no way different from our existing powers.

“When we’re policing the night-time economy, in particular, if there’s a report of disorder we will ask people to move on.

“If you don’t, then you run the risk of being given a fine.

“The powers are the same, it’s only the circumstances that have changed.”

She said worried people were calling police to report that some are still openly flouting the new crackdown.

“We are receiving calls from the public to reports of gatherings – as well as non-essential businesses remaining open – and our officers are responding accordingly. “However, I would like to ask the public to take notice of the guidance and adhere to social distancing to try and reduce such reports,” said ACC Debenham.

“We’re also receiving a number of calls about what you can and can’t do.

“Again, please use common sense.

“Guidance states that you should stay at home and only go out for essential shopping, if you have medical needs or if it’s necessary for you to travel to and from work.

“The Government and Public Health England have stated you can leave your property for one form of exercise a day.

“As a force, our message remains clear – stay at home, save lives.”