Lanarkshire police broke up 200 house parties in final weeks of 2020

An FOI has revealed how often the police were called to gatherings as 2020 came to an end

More than 40 per cent of those took place between December 28 and January 3 as people celebrated bringing in the New Year.

Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell has urged residents to “continue to do the right thing to stop the spread of this virus”.

Figures obtained under freedom of information laws have revealed the extent of coronavirus rule breaking and the police response – known as Operation Talla – across Lanarkshire in the final five weeks of 2020 from November 30 to January 3.

In total, police attended 200 house parties where 120 people were issued with fixed penalty notices (FPNs) and six arrested.

On 11 occasions, reasonable force was used while 192 people were asked to leave or informed of the coronavirus restrictions and 75 people were warned or instructed to leave.

Most incidents happened in the week between December 28 and January 3 when 81 house parties were attended and 38 FPNs issued.

Chief Superintendent Waddell was pleased that most people had been following the rules and urged everyone to stick together in a bid to beat coronavirus.

He said: “The vast majority of the public have continued to comply with the regulations. We’re asking everyone to continue to do the right thing to stop the spread of this virus and protect public health as its clear that there is an ongoing risk.

“Parties and indoor gatherings of different households are not permitted and we will continue to use our enforcement powers to disperse large groups of people where necessary.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to continue to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.”