Police ready to break up New Year's Eve parties with £10,000 fines for organisers

Police chiefs insist they will not turn a blind eye to New Year's Eve parties after Northamptonshire was moved into the highest tier of Covid-19 restrictions.

Under the 'Stay at Home' rules coming into force today, people must not leave or be outside of their homes or gardens without a "reasonable excuse" and nobody outside a support bubble is allowed into someone else's property.

And Northamptonshire Police are warning anyone deciding to break the rules by holding or even attending a party to see in 2021 faces hefty fines.

Superintendent Elliot Foskett said: “We issued several £10,000 fines to those who organised large gatherings, along with £200 fines for those attending them.

"We will continue to take this approach with regards to anyone blatantly flouting the rules.

“We have continued to enforce the regulations proportionately throughout this pandemic and during the weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays, I was very clear that we would not be turning a blind eye to people who decided to put others at risk by holding parties and gatherings.

“The vast majority of people across Northamptonshire continue to act responsibly however, a small minority continue to spoil it for everyone else.”

Five £10,000 fixed penalty fines were issued in the run-up to Christmas — three to organisers of house parties, one to a DJ at one bash, and another following a religious gathering at a Northampton hotel.

Officers have also dispersed parties only to see revellers move to another location and carry on partying.

Supt Foskett added: “If you are the kind of person who decides to put others at risk with irresponsible behaviour, you can expect us to take the appropriate action.

“We need everyone to play their part and protect the NHS — this is more important now than ever before, due to the alarming rise in infections.

"And for those people who decide to endanger the lives of others by holding parties and get-togethers on New Year’s Eve, you can expect a visit from us and you can expect to receive hefty a fine.”

Any suspected breaches of Covid-19 regulations can be reported online HERE. Only call 999 unless you feel the situation could get heated or violent very soon, if someone is in immediate danger and you need support right away.

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