Police get four complaints about Northamptonshire's shoppers not wearing face coverings in first few days of directive being in force

Face coverings have been required in stores since last Friday although staff are not forced to wear them. Photo Getty Images

Police received only four complaints about shoppers not wearing face coverings in the first few days after new laws were introduced.

These include concerns about staff not complying — which they do not have to under the government guidance — and another incident which was not a breach of the legislation.

One call related to a customer becoming aggressive and refusing to wear a face covering in a store. But the customer had left by the time officers attended.

Police will continue to review each reported incident and they are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and added a fresh appeal for any complaints to be made online to keep the 101 and 999 lines free for emergencies.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Blatchly said: “We are pleased to see that the vast majority of shoppers are following the new rules since they were introduced last Friday.

"It’s reassuring that people are doing the sensible thing and following the Government’s advice to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“I’d also like to thank people for understanding our request to report concerns about shoppers not wearing face coverings online rather than by phone.

"This means that we can answer and prioritise emergency calls and I would urge people to continue to assist us in this way.”

To report breaches of Covid-19 legislation to Northamptonshire Police click HERE.

Police were given powers to issue £100 fines for those flouting new rules requiring people to wear face coverings when using public transport, in shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks and post offices which came into effect on Friday.

But Northamptonshire's Chief Constable Nick Adderley — in common with most other Forces — quickly said his officers would not be patrolling stores and not answer calls to reports of people ignoring the rules unless it became a public order issue.

Government guidance around face coverings – including when it is mandatory to wear them – can be found HEREtogether with a list of those exempt.

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