Police issue 20 warnings after people leave home to buy items such as log burners, paint and garden equipment

The message comes after around 20 people in the area were issued with warnings on Sunday, April 5 and told to return home by officers.

The public are again reminded that journeys from home can only be carried out within current Government guidelines designed to stem the pandemic.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “We are seeing people out today who are making non-essential journeys to buy items such as log burners, paint and garden equipment.

“Officers will engage, encourage and explain the reasons why people should be returning home before enforcement is used.

“We would like to remind people to stay at home, not only to potentially save their own lives but also the lives of others and to protect the NHS.”

The police stress that people are only allowed to leave the house for the following specific reasons.

• Shopping for “basic necessities” as infrequently as possible;

• One form of exercise a day such as a run, walk or cycle. Please note that travelling in a vehicle to another location to exercise, or walk a dog, is NOT classed as essential travel and officers will advise you to do this closer to home;

• Medical reasons, to provide care, or to help a vulnerable person;

• Travelling to and from work, but only if it is “absolutely necessary” and your work can not be done from home.

For people not sticking to the rules, new powers mean police officers are able to do the following.

• Ensure parents are doing all they can to stop their children breaking the rules;

• Issue a £60 fixed penalty;

• Issue a £120 fixed penalty for second-time offenders, which will double on each further repeat offence.

Anyone who does not pay can be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines. If they still refuse to comply, police can arrest them.