Report Lockdown Breakers: Here's How To Do It

During the pandemic, many countries introduced lockdown laws to curb the spread of COVID-19. While most people followed the rules, there were some who flouted the restrictions. In the UK, for instance, people were encouraged to report lockdown rule-breakers to their local police forces. Police Scotland and Sussex Police, for example, updated their websites with information on what to do about rule-breakers. People could report a range of infractions, from stay-at-home breaches to businesses breaking the rules.

Reporting a large outdoor gathering

Depending on your location, there are different ways to report large outdoor gatherings. In the UK, local police forces handle lockdown breaches and should be the first port of call for reporting large outdoor gatherings. Police websites should include a "tell us about" option which brings people to a page where they can report an infraction. Police Scotland has urged people to go online to report ongoing breaches of lockdown rules and to only call 999 if a crime is taking place or if a person is in immediate danger.

In Salt Lake County, USA, there are a handful of ways to report large gatherings. Salt Lake City police ask that people do not use social media to report large gatherings. Instead, they provide a specific number to call if you see a business not complying with the directive: 385-468-INFO. This service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For immediate issues, you can call 801-799-3000.

In Ottawa, Canada, Mayor Jim Watson urged residents to report large gatherings to the city's 311 line.

Reporting an indoor house party

If you are in the UK and want to report an indoor house party breaking lockdown laws, you should contact your local police force. Most police websites include a "tell us about" option, which will bring you to a page where you can report an infraction. You will be asked to provide the location of the breach, the number of people involved, and whether it involves a group of people, a business, an individual, or a scam. It is important to note that these forms are not for emergencies and will only accept reports of breaches that are currently happening.

If you are in Scotland, Police Scotland has updated its website with information on what to do about rule-breakers. They ask that you only call 999 if a crime is taking place or if someone is in immediate danger. For non-urgent matters, you can call 101. However, they also encourage people to report ongoing breaches of lockdown rules online.

In New Zealand, authorities can be contacted in the case of excessive noise or other disruptions caused by a party. As seen in the case of an illegal party in Auckland, police will review footage posted on social media and take enforcement actions if necessary.

Reporting people drinking together at a pub

If you witness people drinking together at a pub in breach of lockdown laws, you can report this to the local police. In the UK, local police forces handle lockdown breaches and should be the first port of call for reporting suspected violations.

You can usually submit a report of a lockdown breach on the police website, which should include a "tell us about" option that will direct you to a page where you can describe the infraction. Police websites typically ask for information such as the location of the breach, the number of people involved, and whether it involves a group, an individual, a business, or a scam.

It is important to note that these online forms are generally not for emergencies and only accept reports of ongoing breaches that are happening at the time of the report. If a crime is taking place or someone is in immediate danger, it is advised to call the emergency services.

By reporting suspected lockdown breaches, you can help ensure that people comply with the rules and keep the community safe.

Reporting a business behaving unfairly

If you are a member of the public or a business owner/operator and you feel a business is acting unfairly during the lockdown, you can report this to your local council. Most councils are asking people to make a report of a Covid-19 breach by email, with information on how to do this available online.

In the UK, you can also report a business behaving unfairly during the pandemic to GOV.UK. You can submit your report anonymously, and anything you tell them will be treated confidentially. They will not respond to individual reports directly but will monitor all information provided closely and take action where appropriate.

If you are unsure whether a business is trading illegally, or you want to find out if you can open, you can refer to the government advice and the full list of businesses that should be closed. If you see a business that may be open when it shouldn't be, you can report it to your local service.

When reporting a business, you will need to provide the name of the business and its address, what they were doing, and when it was happening.

Reporting someone not self-isolating

If you are in the UK, local police forces handle lockdown breaches and should be the first port of call for reporting someone not self-isolating. Police websites should include a "tell us about" option which brings people to a page where they can report an infraction.

In Scotland, Police Scotland has urged people to report a business not following rules to contact their local authority. Councils are in charge of monitoring businesses to make sure they are complying with the restrictions set out by the Scottish Government. Most councils are asking people to make a report of a Covid-19 breach in an email, with information on how to do that online.

If you are on the Isle of Wight, you can report a current/ongoing Covid-19 breach about someone not self-isolating to the Police using their online form. The police will triage and prioritise. If a response is required, they will allocate to a team to respond.

Frequently asked questions