North Yorkshire Police reveal how many people were caught breaking lockdown in December - with over half in Scarborough

North Yorkshire Police issued a total of 355 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) to people who broke the law between December 2, 2020, and January 5, - despite repeated pleas and warnings people's lives are at risk.

A shocking 334 fines were given to residents for illegal indoor gatherings with 51 per cent of these (171), handed to people in Scarborough. In York, there were 147 FPNs given for the same reason.

Of the 355 fines, a total of 194 were given to those who live in North Yorkshire and 161 to visitors - despite police patrolling borders and warning they would fine

North Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Rachel Wood said: "While the majority of residents have followed guidance and understand rules around social gatherings, unfortunately the figures show that there was a minority of people who chose to openly flout the rules and host and attend house parties.

"Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams attended a number of incidents over the festive season and had to take enforcement action, as sadly some people did not disperse and go home when instructed.

People across the county could be stopped by police to explain why they are away from home.

The public should also expect officers to be more inquisitive about why people are out as Covid-19 cases surge and hospitals across the county become under further pressure from the pandemic.

West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Tim Kingsman has reminded the public that officers do have additional powers of enforcement, which are there to keep people safe.

He said: “We will continue our approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging compliance, but where there are blatant breaches, which clearly show a disregard for the health and safety of the wider public, we must take action and we will use our powers.

“I am confident that we have the support of the wider public in doing so, but of course it is your hands."

Officers broke up a house party at a flat in Hull where more than 40 people attended on New Year's Eve.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble said:"We will use enforcement when we need to, and we will be issuing fines to anyone who is responsible for a flagrant breech of the rules.

"Our teams will be patrolling hot spot areas, actively engaging with those who are out and about, and will tackle anyone who is blatantly breaking the regulations or showing disregard for others’ health and safety.

"These officers continue to put themselves in harm’s way in order to keep others safe and we ask that people help us by sticking to the rules."