Massive illegal rave broken up by Sussex Police
The organisers now face a £10,000 fine
Around 200 people have been moved on from an rave organised in a Sussex park over the weekend.
Police were called to Stanmer Park in Brighton at 2.30am on Sunday (October 25th) after receiving a call about an unusual number of people seen converging on the area.
Officers also seized sound equipment from the location.
Enquiries continue to identify the organisers of the event who face a £10,000 fine.
Sergeant Karen Osborn of Sussex Police said:
"The earlier that we hear about raves occurring, the more likely it is that we are able to act quickly to nip them in the bud.
"Raves are spontaneous by their very nature and once established, especially during the hours of darkness, they are very difficult to close down safely.
"However, they are unlicensed and there are no controls over health and safety or facilities to ensure the welfare of those attending.
"On top of that, with the country in the grip of a worldwide pandemic, such gatherings take no account of social distancing measures, are illegal and completely irresponsible."
The earlier that Sussex Police is alerted to a rave taking place, the greater the chance of preventing them becoming established, disrupting them and dispersing those responsible for their organisation. Things people should look out for are:
- the removal of locks from secured access points
- vehicles, particularly panel vans or larger, driving off road
- groups of vehicles congregating in rural areas
- convoys of vehicles
- loud music from remote locations
Sgt Osborn continued:
"While rave organisers and those who attend see no harm in their unlicensed and illegal activities, these events can cause an immense amount of disruption to communities, especially rural ones.
"On this occasion, thanks to the vigilance of the local community, we were able to shut down and clear the site within an hour, seizing a generator and a significant amount of sound equipment."
Anyone with information about the organisation of the rave is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 157 of 25/10.