Police struggle to contain large 'illegal' raves in England and Wales
Police forces across England and Wales are continuing to face severe difficulties in deterring and disrupting “illegal” raves and street parties against the backdrop of a persistently potent coronavirus pandemic.
Giving a snapshot into the intensifying law and order problem, police have revealed they are dealing with two unlicensed raves a day as revelers across the country ignore government guidelines against mass gatherings on the streets and other public spaces.
In the latest development, Norfolk Police has said its officers are trying to “close down” a gathering with more than “500 people and 100 vehicles” in Thetford Forest, near to the English Heritage site Grimes Graves.
The illegal party, which began late on Saturday night, has been described as “extremely disappointing” by Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison of Norfolk police.
Davison added: “We will work to identify organizers, seize equipment, deal with any criminal offences and impose penalties where evidence is available”.
In addition, South Wales Police told Sky News that its officers were trying to disperse an illegal “large gathering” near Neath at lunchtime on Sunday (August 30).
South Wales Police have also criticized the “irresponsible” actions of an estimated 3,000 people attending an illegal rave near a rural village on the edge of the Brecon Beacons.
The proliferation of illegal gatherings comes on the heels of new rules coming into force on Friday (August 28) for England, prompted by a reported more than 1,000 unlicensed events since the end of June alone.
Under the new rules anyone in England in breach of coronavirus guidelines could be fined a hefty £10,000, while minimum £100 fines will be levied on people not wearing masks or attending unlawful gatherings.
Similar rules have been introduced in Wales where gatherings involving 30 people outdoors remain illegal.
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