POLICE in Hampshire will be cracking down on breaches to lockdown, and say that those "recklessly ignoring" the rules should expect to face the consequences.

Assistant Chief Constable, Maggie Blyth, said: “Whilst engaging, explaining and encouraging people to comply will remain a focus as officers react to the circumstances they are presented with, enforcement for blatant breaches is necessary.

“We know lots of people are weary of the changes to the rules, and recognise the impact of the pandemic on people’s livelihoods and the impact of these further measures. As part of our response we will work closely with partners and communities over the coming days and weeks. The support we continue to give to the public of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remains vital.

“To the vast majority who have complied with restrictions throughout this year. I’d like to, again, say thank you and urge you to please carry on doing so to ensure that we do not lose the momentum and shared purpose that we have had so far. To the minority who feel that the restrictions do not apply to them, including those organising large gatherings and deliberately holding parties or events that put people at risk, please be aware that we are increasing our levels of enforcement in line with the threat that we are facing to people living in our communities, and to our NHS.

“We won’t waste time with endless encouragement for those who knowingly or deliberately break the rules. People recklessly ignoring the regulations should expect to receive a fixed penalty notice. It is only right that those who are putting others at risk should face consequences.

“I would also urge people to please refrain from calling us to ask questions about the new legislation, we need to keep our lines open for emergency calls.

“Thank you for your ongoing commitment. Hampshire Constabulary remains committed to playing its part keeping you and our communities safe in these unprecedented times."

Last weekend, ahead of lockdown restrictions but with some measures still in place, Hampshire police fined nearly 100 for gathering at Halloween parties and disregarding the safety of others.

The new warning comes as, today (Thursday November 5) England enters a second lockdown.

Until December 2, people in England may only leave their home for specific reasons, including education if it is not provided online, work if you cannot work from home (including if your job involves working in other people’s homes), medical reasons, and for exercise, which you can take as many times a day as you wish.

People can also leave for recreational purposes with their own household, on their own, or with one person from another household (a “one plus one” rule) as long as this is outdoors.

Non-essential retail has closed down, along with leisure faciltiies, theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, zoos and other attractions.

Hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture and tanning salons have all also been forced to shut.