THE number of fines Lancashire Police is issuing for lockdown louts breaking coronavirus lockdown guidelines is decreasing, the latest figures show.

As of last week, the force had issued a total of 765 penalty charge notices, which means 132 more have been issued since May 1 when that figure was 633.

In the two weeks before that – when the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020) first came into force, Lancashire officers dished out 380 fines.

The latest figures, released by the National Police Chiefs Council, show that Lancashire is now sixth place in terms of forces which have issued the most tickets, behind The Met, North Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall, West Yorkshire and Thames Valley.

Chief Constable Andy Rhodes said: “Our aim has always been to encourage and support our communities to comply fully with the restrictions by engaging, explaining and encouraging. The vast majority of people are fully complying with the guidance and advice and we thank them for helping to stop the spread of the virus.

“We are clear that only when faced with non-compliance will we then enforce as a last resort for individuals who have not responded to engage, explain, and encourage and where public health is at risk."

Nationally, 15,552 fixed penalty notices have been issued by forces, including the military police.