Burglary suspect 'caught helping himself to the bar after breaking into Dudley Zoo'
A burglary suspect was found helping himself to drinks from the Dudley Zoo bar after allegedly breaking in during the coronavirus lockdown.
The incident was only the second in the West Midlands to lead to a suspect being charged with breaking the new Government regulations.
Police were alerted when the zoo alarm went off on Tuesday - nine days after the Castle Hill attraction closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
When officers arrived at the scene they allegedly found a man had broken into the restaurant and was helping himself to beers and wine.
Suspect Richard Perry, of no fixed address but from the Dudley area, has since been charged with burglary and contravening a restriction of movement during an emergency period.
It followed an incident on Friday where a 56-year-old man was charged with contravening or failing to comply with coronavirus regulations after allegedly refusing to leave the scene of a crash in Tividale Road, Oldbury.
Geoffery Dillion, of no fixed address, was bailed after appearing in court in Wolverhampton.
Perry was also bailed ahead of appearing in court next month.
Superintendent Jane Bailey, from West Midlands Police's Criminal Justice Department, said the restrictions were only being ignored by a small minority of people.
She said: "Our focus is to speak with people when we’re out and about on patrols, help where we can and to stress the importance of social distancing to stifle the virus’ spread.
"Officers will educate anyone who is unclear what’s being asked of them and encourage compliance with the government’s instruction.
"Taking firmer action or enforcement will only be a last resort for us as I’m sure most people appreciate the seriousness of the situation we’re in and want to do the right thing."
A spokesman for the force said Dillion was arrested at 4.30pm on Friday and appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court the next day before being released on unconditional bail to appear before the same court on May 12.
Regarding the Dudley Zoo incident, the spokesman added: "A 44-year-old man was charged with burglary and contravening a restriction of movement during an emergency period − the new law introduced by the Government last week.
"He was bailed to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court on April 30."
In a later incident, a Birmingham man was charged with breaking the lockdown rules after allegedly firing a gun outside a takeaway.
Meanwhile Dudley Zoo has launched a fundraising drive to help it keep looking after the animals behind closed doors.
