Police have fined more than 18,000 lockdown rule breakers in England and Wales – see how many are in your area
POLICE have fined more than 18,000 lockdown rule breakers in England and Wales.
A total of 18,439 fines were issued to lawbreakers as police chiefs warned that unruly Brits must take "more personal responsibility" when lockdown measures are eased next month.
The lockdown fines, recorded by forces up to June 22, included 15,856 in England and 2,583 in Wales.
But tickets dished out in the two weeks prior fell to just 189 from a high of 5,280 in the fortnight to April 27.
North Yorkshire had the highest number of fines at 1,112 while the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Police handed out 35.
MOD Police do not patrol the streets but protect sites of national importance.
The provisional figures were released ahead of bars and restaurants reopening on July 4, following schools and other non-essential shops which were unlocked earlier this month.
NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said: "As restrictions ease further from July 4 in England, it is important for everyone to take more personal responsibility for their safety by continuing to follow official advice and government regulations.
"Limiting the spread of the virus should still be everyone's priority.
"I would like to again thank the vast majority of people for abiding by the lockdown measures and government advice."
The figures follow days of chaos as Brits packed out beaches during the heatwave and police were tasked with breaking up illegal raves and street parties.
And 'party-time' Brits were accused of halting the fall in coronavirus cases, risking an extra 30,000 deaths.
National chair of the Police Federation John Apter warned the Government's announcement about easing lockdown on July 4 could be "a countdown to party time."
"This leads to issues that the police will have to deal with," he said.
"Firstly, of course, there are worries about alcohol consumption leading to drunken and irresponsible behaviour, and there's also the concern that people who can't get into pubs because of restrictions that are still in place may cause conflict.
"This will, without doubt, add more pressure on policing, paramedics and the wider NHS."
The latest NPCC figures show 79% of fines handed out in England and Wales were to men, with 68% given to people aged under 35.
Some 787 tickets went to repeat offenders, with two people receiving eight fines while three people were caught seven times.
The fines carried penalties of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks but doubling for each repeat offence up to a £960 maximum.
Most read in News
From May 13, higher £100 fines were enforced in England, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days and rising to a maximum of £3,200 for further offences.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty yesterday warned cases of Covid-19 "will rise again" if Britons do not follow social distancing guidance.
On Thursday Bournemouth council declared a major incident as thousands flocked to its seafront and emergecy services struggled to cope.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – .
