West Midlands Police warn against jamming 999 lines reporting coronavirus rule-breakers
People across the West Midlands should avoid calling 999 over the new coronavirus rules unless it's an emergency, the region's top police officer has said.
Chief Constable Dave Thompson said people should report any breaches of the new "rule of six" – which bans groups of more than six gathering – online to avoid a spike in calls.
It comes after Greater Manchester Police reported a 30 per cent in emergency calls being made by people over the virus, recording a total of 2,459 in one day.
The restrictions will be handled by the force alongside their other responsibilities, with the chief saying there was "no box of new police" to enforce the rules.
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People should report any gatherings online before officers decide which ones to prioritise – based on factors such as location and the amount of people – alongside their other duties.
Mr Thompson said: "I think it's difficult for everybody in the community, especially young people, and we recognise that – we don't like to see these restrictions coming in.
"But what we're saying to people is please follow the rules. Most people are and if you see breaches of the new rules, report it online rather than call 999.
"Greater Manchester Police recorded a 30 per cent increase in 999 calls and so we're asking people to report it online – except in normal emergency criteria.
"Our message is for people 'take personal responsibility' and if you need to report something, do it online and trust us to prioritise policing – we will be going against breaches where the infection rates will be more substantial."
The top police officer stressed the force was "as busy" as ever, with police trying to balance their duties with the new restrictions being imposed.
Mr Thompson added: "Sometimes you can say to people 'you're not meant to be there' and we need to create a level of social disapproval over the issue.
"If groups are growing of course we will want to know, but go online and let us know on the website. We will follow them up with the other demands we've got.
"Clearly, we don't have a box of new police so we will prioritise certain areas.
"The police are still doing other things, but we will try to get more officers to assist with this as we did with the illegal music gatherings.
"I've always said you can't make three million people do things they don't want to do. The reasons why restrictions are being tightened is not just because people aren't following the rules – we're opening up society again.
"Generally, people are following the rules – some people aren't good at following the rules, but actually we've had some good success with illegal music events from my perspective – the fines have deterred most people.
"Our general approach is to get people to follow the rules and our approach is to get people to understand the rules and ensure everyone is involved.
"There will be a need, at some points – in some age groups and risk areas – for more enforcement, but we know the majority will follow the rules."
Spikes in coronavirus cases have been reported across the Black Country and Birmingham with health leaders calling on young people – the age group which has seen the spike – to be vigilant.
Mr Thompson said: "It's much harder for young people to lose their summer than it is for a 51-year-old. It's not the same as being 18 and we understand this and I want to say to them there's still plenty of opportunities to come together.
"Please stick to the rules because there could be more restrictions imposed and we all want to protect our grandmas, grandads, moms and dads. The risk does vary – it's not just in one group and that's why it's a massive challenge."
And he called any lockdown restrictions imposed by Government – including a local lockdown – as an "important responsibility" for police and everyone involved, adding: "I would reassure people that we're part of an incident management team to tackle the problem, but clearly we will look and if there's any additional rules across certain areas we will follow them – we'll work very hard. Our approach is continuing to encourage people to follow the rules."
