Patrols 20-hours-a-day and 29 fines in 'challenging' Doncaster area during Covid-19

Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley, Doncaster district commander, said officers have had issues with Hexthorpe’s Roma Slovak community following lockdown restrictions.

The issue has caused complaints and officers have issued 29 fines to those flouting social distancing guidelines.

Mr Morley said: “This has been a challenging area for police since lockdown measures were introduced.

“This area houses many Roma Slovak residents and it has been challenging to engage, educate and gain compliance from some residents in regard to Covid-19 guidance.

“This has led to an increase in community tensions.

“The police have increased high visibility patrols and community engagement to ensure the community are aware of lockdown measures and the need to comply.

“Since the commencement of ‘lockdown’, the police have undertaken an average of 20 hours' patrol in Hexthorpe per day and issued 29 penalty tickets for breaching restrictions.”