More lockdown fines given out in Scarborough borough than anywhere else in North Yorkshire

The Scarborough borough accounts for more than a quarter of all fines issued by North Yorkshire Police for breaches of the coronavirus restrictions, new figures have revealed.
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The force announced on Wednesday that it has fined 153 people for not complying with the legislation since April 2.

A total of 44 of those fines were issued in the Scarborough borough, more than 28% of the overall figure.

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It includes three men found drunk on one of Scarborough’s beaches and several people who were fined after numerous people from different households gathered in the town to have a barbeque.

Stock image. JPI MediaStock image. JPI Media
Stock image. JPI Media

The next highest region for fines was York with 32.

Just five fines have been issued in Ryedale, with six in both Harrogate and Richmondshire.

Officers have spoken with 1,000s of people since the restrictions were introduced and have taken nearly 2,000 direct reports from members of the public in relation to suspected breaches.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker, said: “Since day one we have maintained our neighbourhood policing approach during the Covid-19 response, focusing on what has become known as the three ‘Es’ strategy – engage, explain and encourage people to adhere to the restrictions, using enforcement as a last resort.

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“We have also made it clear across our public messaging that we would take this approach so that people are in no doubt, and although we would prefer not to, we are not afraid to use enforcement if we have to.

“We have also maintained some of the lowest absence levels across the country, enabling us to increase our capacity and redirect resources towards frontline policing. This has subsequently increased patrols and police visibility, resulting in greater engagement activity.

“Most people understand the gravity of the situation we face, most people are moved by the tragic stories we have seen, and most people have stayed at home.

“Yes there have been pockets of breaches across the county, but the majority of people have listened. Each area is different and each area brings its own challenges, for example, all of the fines issued in the Craven area, the home of the Yorkshire Dales, were issued to visitors, whereas in Scarborough and York, the majority of fines were issued to residents.

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“I would like to reiterate my thanks to everyone who continues to stay at home. We will get through this, and we will continue to work together to protect the NHS and save lives.”

Men accounted for 126 of the 153 fines given out, with the most common offender aged between 18 and 25.