Almost 200 people flouting coronavirus rules moved on as police patrol streets in Wolverhampton
A person who travelled from Crewe to Wolverhampton to visit a friend has been fined by police for flouting coronavirus rules.
The person was among three people in the city fined by neighbourhood officers who took to the streets amid rising case numbers.
And almost 200 people in total were instructed to leave after not having a legitimate reason to be out of their homes – or for failing to wear face coverings correctly.
Wolverhampton Inspector Sophie Clement said: "It was encouraging to see so many people complying with the regulations.
"Compared to previous all out days, so many more people were wearing masks and following distancing rules and I really want to thank them for playing their part in trying to stop the spread of the deadly virus in our city.
"Overall, so many people were following the rules, but it was really disappointing to see that others were still ignoring these restrictions and ultimately increasing the risk to other people.
"We are committed to playing our part in enforcing the regulations and protecting the residents of Wolverhampton."
Patrols
Officers, both uniformed and plain clothed, covered the likes of Bilston, Whitmore Reans, Wednesfield and the city centre on Friday.
It saw a police presence at retail locations – such as shopping centres, retail parks and supermarkets – with the majority of people following the rules.
A spokesman for the force said: "Although the majority of people were following the rules, there were a small number of people that appeared to be blatantly ignoring the restrictions.
"Nearly 200 people were given directions to leave after not having a legitimate reason to be out of their homes or failing to wear face coverings correctly and three people were issued fines, including one person that had travelled from Crewe to visit a friend."
The high visibility presence and increased patrols saw officers arrest three people wanted for a variety of crimes not related to Covid-19.
A 47-year-old woman who was wanted for failing to appear, has since been charged with assaulting an emergency worker, after a police community support officer was spat on.
She is due to appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.
