Three more lockdown drink drivers arrested

Wednesday 06 May 2020

Guernsey Police seen a decrease in crime overall during the lockdown, but there has been the expected increase in reports of domestic abuse - and a number of arrests for traffic offences.

Head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement, Ruari Hardy says that includes three more arrests for drink driving over the past week.

Speaking at yesterday's media briefing on the covid-19 pandemic he said crime is expected to start increasing as the islands move out of the stricter lockdown conditions. 

He said that could include opportunistic crimes or intentional deceptive crimes.

Above: Mr Hardy started speaking at 38minutes in, with questions put to him by reporters later in the briefing. 

With the islands having been in lockdown since the 25 March, Mr Hardy said they had expected tensions to rise in some households, which it has. 

"As with previous weeks we have seen an increase in calls for service with respect to domestic incidents, and we've seen an increase in calls of about 30% - 40%. However, the numbers we are dealing with are very manageable by our organisation and there's plenty of resource to help. 

"As I've frequently said, it is an essential journey if you need to leave home to report or seek help about domestic issues."

Pictured: The charity Safer is available to help anyone at risk of domestic abuse. 

Mr Hardy has previously asked motorists to drive safely on the quieter roads during the lockdown. He said that advice has been heeded but there are still some concerning incidents occurring.

"Following our appeal for drivers to reduce speeds and be more responsible on the roads with them being less full of vehicles, I can report that we've seen a reduction in the number of motorists reported for speeding related offences.

"However, in the past seven days we have dealt with five road traffic collisions, some of which involved injury and a further three drink drivers for drink driving offences."

Pictured: Guernsey Police Station.

Mr Hardy also appealed to the public to continue being the police force's "eyes and ears" as we head into the bank holiday weekend, and begin to relax the lockdown restrictions further.

He said as reports of most crimes have declined, he is expected that to change soon.

"As we come out of lockdown and the various sections that have been described, I do anticipate that crime may increase.

"You the public are our eyes and ears, so if you see it, please say it, report it and allow us to sort it.

"Please use either Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the GBA drugline on 0800 318 318."

Pictured top: Ruari Hardy.