A WARNING has been sent to those breaching lockdown in Cumbria after police issued dozens of fines to rule breakers.

Police in Cumbria issued 68 fines over the past week amid fears people are starting to disobey the national lockdown.

The first easing of lockdown, including the reopening of schools, came yesterday but those who flout the rules risk delaying the easing of the restrictions, a Cumbria police boss has said.

Peter McCall, the county’s police and crime commissioner, said there was ‘no place for complacency’ over following the lockdown.

A number of people have been fined for wild camping in the Lake District, while in urban areas there are fears of increasing house parties and visits to other households.

Mr McCall said: “We are definitely noticing that people are starting to ease up.

“We are all tired and there’s no doubt people are more lax about the rules and that’s very worrying.

“There is no place for complacency – we’ve got to appeal to people to stick to the rules for just a little longer.”

The next easing of lockdown will come on March 29, when people from two households or those obeying the rule of six will be able to meet outside, depending on infection rates.

And non-essential retailers will be able to reopen not before April 12.

“We want to hit the milestones for every one’s stake,” Mr McCall said. “If people jeopardise that we all end up with the dates being put back.”