This is how many fines have been given out by North East police to people breaking lockdown rules

Police throughout the country have been given extra powers to give out penalties to people who fail to stick to the guidelines issued by the Government in an effort to prevent the speed of the COVID-19 illness.

The virus has already claimed more than 12,300 lives across the country.

Officers can issue fines of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days, with anyone found in breach a second time given a £120 penalty, with the amount doubling on each further repeat offence.

As of yesterday, Tuesday, April 15, Northumbria Police said it has issued 32 fines, while Durham Constabulary has said it has given out 14.

Meanwhile, Cleveland has given out 91 since the legislation was introduced on March 26, three days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the restrictions.

Both Northumbria and Durham have said they will always use enforcement as a last resort once all reasonable requests and options have been tried first, with officers hoping people will comply with requests to help keep people safe.

In Northumbria’s area, it has previously issued fines to men from Newcastle who travelled to Low Newton to dig for worms during the hours of darkness, sparking a call out to Coastguard teams.

Meanwhile, Durham has confirmed among the incidents it dealt with was two men, aged 32 and 25, who do not live together and travelled to Peterlee from London and a 24-year-old woman who had not complied with repeat warnings and instructions not to have gatherings in the garden of her home in Seaham.

Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton, of Northumbria Police, said: “It is really important to recognise that the overwhelming majority of people in our area continue to adhere to the stay-at-home restrictions.

“We are extremely grateful to all those who are ultimately playing their part in saving lives.

“The efforts being made are a testament to the fantastic community spirit we have here – with people determined to do all they can to protect their family, friends, neighbours and wider community.

“We would like to reassure members of the public who have contacted us to raise concerns about the restrictions not being followed, that these details are helping to inform our response and identify areas which may need attention.

“We would ask everyone to please carry on showing the fantastic resolve we have seen to #StayHomeSaveLives – together we can make a difference.”

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary added the force's thanks to those who had followed the guidance and added: “Unfortunately, there have been occasions where a few people have refused to take police and Government advice and it has been necessary to issue fixed penalty notices.

“That outcome, however, is not our first choice.

“Where possible we will always seek to engage with people, explain how they are acting against the legislation and encourage them to return home.

“For the majority of people that will be enough.

“Our message is clear – please stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.