POLICE in Warwickshire received the most 999 calls in a single day for over three years on Saturday (June 12) – during a weekend described by a senior officer as being ‘busier than New Year’.
Warwickshire Police received 263 emergency calls on Saturday. They were among 2,540 calls taken in total between Friday and Sunday (June 13).
Some 49 people were arrested over the weekend – 28 of which were for violent offences, 15 of them domestic.
Also among them were 25 arrested on suspicion of committing alcohol related offences, including seven people in connection with domestic incidents, five on suspicion of other violent incidents, eight on suspicion of drink driving and two on suspicion of assaulting police officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith said: “It was an extremely busy weekend for officers, busier than we would expect to see over New Year.
“The one common factor in many of the offences we responded to was alcohol. We continually urge people to drink responsibly and know their limits but too many times people don’t heed this advice and find themselves in trouble.
“Later this week the force will be launching its summer safety campaign promoting advice to help people stay safe and act responsibly when they are out over the next few months.
“We understand people want to go out and enjoy the good weather and make the most of the recently relaxed restrictions, but we will take a zero tolerance approach to violence and aggression.”
Among those taken into custody last weekend were a 62-year-old man from Warwick, who was arrested following a report of a man being assaulted with a baseball bat at a pub in Lapworth in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The man was arrested on suspicion of assault and drink driving after officers stopped a car a short time later. He was later bailed while enquiries continue.
Three men were also arrested on suspicion of assault following a report of a fight in Mason Avenue, Leamington on Friday night. All three were later bailed while enquiries continue.
Following the announcement of an extension to Covid restrictions until July, the force reminded residents of the importance of following the rules that remain in place. This includes indoor gatherings being restricted to six people or two households, and outdoor gatherings being restricted to 30 people.
ACC Franklin-Smith added: “Like most people I was disappointed to hear the Prime Minister extending Covid restrictions for another four weeks – but it is important to remember these rules are in place to protect us all. Having come so far, it is important we all continue to do our bit to protect ourselves and our families.
“Warwickshire Police will continue to play its part in reducing the spread of the virus by engaging with our communities, explaining the rules, and encouraging compliance. Where there are deliberate and obvious breaches of rules we will not hesitate to take action.”
