Tell us online about people breaking mask rules, urge Lancashire police

The county force said today on social media that it did not want the public to call them about people not wearing masks in shops and supermarkets.

But the force said members of the public could report issues online.

The police have the power to impose a £100 fine for anyone refusing to wear a mask in shops or supermarkets, but many claim the regulations are "unenforceable".

And business groups are concerned that shop staff will be asked to police the new rules.

Today Lancashire Police said on Twitter: "Help us to be there when you need us, by not contacting us when you don't.

"Please don't contact us about individuals not wearing face coverings in shops.

"If there's a shop where the regulations are consistently not being followed, you can tell us online."

An online form has been set up at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk.

The page states: "This form should be used to report significant breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) legislation updated on Friday 24 July 2020. This includes regulations on face coverings in shops and supermarkets.

"From this date, no person may, without reasonable excuse, enter or remain within a relevant place without wearing a face covering."

It adds later :"Please note we can only enforce the Health Protection Regulations, we cannot enforce Government guidance.

"Therefore, please do not use this form to report issues with social distancing.

"Please continue to use this form to report large gatherings of people who are not from the same household, house parties or other significant incidents which you are concerned breach the current legislation".

Police have the legal power to enforce the new rules, and have intervened to stop planned "raves" in recent weeks.

Lancashire police say they are "taking a common sense approach, just like throughout the pandemic, encouraging and educating before enforcing as a last resort."