Arrests and fines for lockdown offences in Scotland top 3,000

Nearly 200 people have been arrested for lockdown infringements since restrictions were imposed two months ago.
By Alastair Dalton
Published 23rd May 2020, 07:30 BST
Police speaking to sunbathers on Portobello beach in Edinburgh on Wednesday. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell.Police speaking to sunbathers on Portobello beach in Edinburgh on Wednesday. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell.
Police speaking to sunbathers on Portobello beach in Edinburgh on Wednesday. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell.

New Police Scotland figures showed a total of 31 people were held over the last week, bringing the total to 197.

It compares to 23 arrests the previous week.

A total of 207 fines were issued, compared to 381 the previous week, which brought the total since the lockdown began to 2,851.

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The force declined to provide details of any of the incidents involved.

However, separate figures published by the Scottish Police Authority showed enforcement action was taken in fewer than one in ten incidents.

They have been running at about 7,000 a week and total more than 36,000.

BACKGROUND: Surge in Police Scotland call-outs to lockdown infringements during warm weather

Three quarters of people who gathered in contravention of lockdown laws dispersed when informed by officers, and a further 17 per cent when instructed.

Fines were issued to 8 per cent, 0.5 per cent were arrested and 1 per cent were dispersed using “reasonable force”.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “It is natural to look toward the summer months and getting out and about, but it is absolutely vital to stress the rules haven’t changed yet.”

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