Illegal raves broken up in woodland

More than 100 people have been sent home from illegal raves in the countryside.

Police were called to woodland in Rhodes Minnis, between Canterbury and Folkestone, at about 10.20pm on Saturday, after receiving reports of a music event.

About 25 people were dispersed and sound equipment seized.

Just before 11pm the same night, police were alerted to a music event at a property in Springwood Road, Barming. There they seized DJ equipment and sent 100 people home. Though lockdown restrictions have been relaxed, it remains illegal to socialise in groups of more than six people outside of your own household and when people do meet, they are advised to stay two metres apart. Police are now reminding people that those intent on holding unlicensed music events are potentially committing criminal offences.

Raves have become more frequent in recent weeks;70 people were sent home after a rave at Riverside Country Park last month, two were stabbed at a party on the beach at Leysdown, and a 200-strong rave was shut down in Vigo.

Asst Ch Con Nicola Faulconbridge said: “These unlicensed events are not only illegal but put people at risk and have a significant impact on police resources.

“The risk of passing on Covid19 is still a real concern and I would ask people not to organise or attend gatherings of this nature.

“Those who continue to ignore our requests and hold events with a blatant disregard for the health and wellbeing of others will have action taken against them and we will not hesitate in seizing equipment and making arrests when appropriate.” Members of the public are encouraged to look out for any suspicious activity that may indicate the presence of an unlicensed music event, including sound equipment or marquees being set up, locks and chains on private land being tampered with, and sound checks in unusual locations.

Report activity on 101.