Six crimes linked to the Coronavirus pandemic were recorded by Wiltshire Police last week. Between April 13-19, the Force:

• Recorded 58 incidents linked to COVID19
• Recorded 6 crimes linked to COVID19
• Issued 47 Fixed Penalty Notices
• Made 4 arrests linked to breaches in the COVID19 national guidelines

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper, who was on-call over the weekend, said: “The vast majority of people within our communities are adhering to the Government guidance which is in place to save lives.

“We are focusing on engaging with people in our city, towns and villages – ensuring they are aware of the restrictions. Only when absolutely required have we enforced these rules by issuing fines.

“To date, we’ve issued around 130 fines since the new policing powers came into effect which clearly represents a tiny percentage of our total population here in Wiltshire.

“We know people are starting to feel fatigued by the restrictions and by social distancing but we have to remember the fundamental reasons we are doing this – to slow the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.

“Over this past weekend, we saw relatively low numbers of crimes being committed and people not adhering to the current restrictions.

“On behalf of Wiltshire Police, I would like to thank each and every person who is staying at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives for the part they are playing in the national effort to tackle this unprecedented public health emergency. ”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson said: “Once again, I have been pleased to see relatively small numbers of fines being issued and arrests made.

“On the whole, people are acting in a responsible and respectful way by adhering to the restrictions which are in place to save lives.

“As we continue through the next few weeks, I know we can count on the vast majority of people in our communities to carry on doing the right thing and only leaving their homes when essential to do so.

“We all have a role to play in the fight against this infection. We must all continue to adhere to the very latest advice from the Government – this is about saving lives.”

The latest guidance can be found at www.gov.uk