POLICE in Bolton have praised the public in how they have responded to following the Government’s call to stay at home during the coronavirus crisis.

Officers were given the power last week to issue fines to people not abiding by the law during the lockdown, which was put in place to protect residents from COVID-19.

Pete Crowe, sergeant for the town centre and Great Lever, said he is unaware of anyone in the borough being handed a fine for breaching the four rules.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said residents can only leave their properties to shop for basic necessities “as infrequently as possible” and to perform one form of exercise a day.

People can also leave their home to receive medical help, provide care to a vulnerable person or travel to work if “absolutely necessary”.

Businesses selling non-essential businesses were ordered to close as well.

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Sgt Crowe said: “From a policing perspective it has been positive with the majority of people that we have had interactions with.

“People seem to be adhering to what they have been asked to do.”

But Sgt Crowe warned that people in the borough must continue to follow the rules.

He said: “We urge people to follow the Government rules.

“It is extremely important that everyone follows the scientific advice and we are very thankful to people who have been doing that.”

Anyone found to be breaching the rules may be given a £30 fine, which will increase if it is not paid and can lead to a criminal record.