Covid fines totalling £49k slapped on east London rule breakers in one evening

Police on patrol in London 
Met police
John Dunne @jhdunne2 February 2021
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Police swooped on covid rule breakers in east London and slapped up to £49,400 of fines on them in just one evening.

Officers and council officials joined forces to break up  illegal gatherings in the borough of  Waltham Forest.

A total of 36 people were reported for fines of up to £800 while two face £10,000 penalties. 

The busts took place on Friday with police breaking up a party in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, with revellers trying to hide in a stairwell and others trying to escape across an extension.

There were 35 people at the illegal event and the two organisers were hit with £10,000 fines.

Also during their patrol police spotted a group inside a takeaway premises in Hoe Street, Walthamstow smoking shisha and drinking.  Three people were issued £200 fixed penalty notices (FPNs).

In another breach 22 people were hit with fines of up to £800  after being found drinking at a venue in High Road, Leytonstone. 

Superintendent Waheed Khan, Metropolitan Police, said: “There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we are in the throes of a deadly pandemic; and the fact some businesses continue to function in direct contradiction of the current restrictions quite frankly beggars belief. 

"Police officers and special constables are working closely with councils and other groups to make sure that the rules – in place to save lives and protect the NHS - are being followed. Please do your bit to help these officers who are working hard to protect you.”

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest council, said: “By this point there can be no-one claiming to be unaware of the serious situation we are in and the responsibilities we all have to try and stop the spread of Covid-19. 

"I am disappointed to say the least to see that council officers, police colleagues, and special constables are yet again having to risk their safety because a small minority of people simply do not give a damn about others.

“I know this is not an easy time for anyone. Business want to trade, children want to socialise, and families and friends want to meet and be together. However, we all want to keep our most vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours safe so they can celebrate with us. 

"The vaccine is currently being rolled out and we can see light at the end of what has been a long, dark tunnel – it is simply irresponsible to jeopardise people’s safety at this point.”

In total £49,400 of potential FPNs were reported during the evening alongside one penalty notice for possession of cannabis.

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