Lockdown rule-breakers could be thrown in police cell, warns Devon and Cornwall force
Southwest counties have seen Covid cases soar in recent weeks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Devon and Cornwall’s police chief has warned people who break lockdown rules this weekend could “end up in a police cell”.
The southwest counties – particularly Cornwall – have seen soaring rates of Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, with an accompanying increase in fines handed out by officers to those flouting the national restrictions.
But Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer suggested rule-breakers could face more severe sanctions in the coming days.
“For the few [breaking the law], you will get a ticket and if needs be you will be arrested,” Mr Sawyer told the BBC’s Spotlight.
“Our personal hygiene, about travelling and association, needs to sharpen up. Not because we’re law breakers, but in the first phase we were sharp. This time we’re not,” he said.
Asked about the guidance around travelling for exercise, Mr Sawyer suggested getting in the car to travel for exercise should be “exceedingly rare” in Devon and Cornwall, which is largely rural.
“I’m expecting too many people to get Covid-19 and die if we carry on. That’s what I’m expecting. So let’s not make that happen,” he said.
He added: “The few that breach this weekend, you are not only going to get a ticket, but I think increasingly you’re going to end up in a police cell.”
Cornwall saw 335 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days up to 10 January, Mid Devon saw 272, East Devon 255, West Devon 138 and North Devon 115.
The figure for England as a whole was 591.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments