ISLAND STRIFE

POLICE CALLED TO ‘OUTBREAKS OF DISORDER’ AT BARRY ISLAND AFTER LARGE GROUPS OF YOUTHS DESCEND ON RESORT

POLICE were called to a rave on a mountain in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Officers were called to the “unlicensed music event” taking place on Mynydd Maen, near Abercarn, at around 6.40am on Sunday.

They found around 20 people in the area and musical equipment as well as five vehicles were seized by officers.

A 27-year-old man from the Ebbw Vale area was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug of class B, and received a caution for the possession offence.

This follows officers having to attend a second “unlicensed music event” on private land in Hollybush, near Tredegar the previous Saturday.

According to Gwent

Police, officers were able to negotiate with the event organiser and no arrests were made or items seized as a result at that event.

The force is now reminding people that legal raves do not exist and they are urging local residents to report any unusual activity associated with raves.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Raves can cause serious disruption to nearby residents due to the loud music, while events can frequently be linked to further offences such as anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and substance misuse.

“In line with existing powers and to ensure the safety to those attending an unlicensed music event and those in the vicinity, officers can close the event to prevent any escalation, seize equipment and prosecute organisers.”

Superintendent Glyn Fernquest, of Gwent Police’s operational support unit, said: “It is a common misconception that legal raves exist.

“Every single event of this type is illegal and therefore prohibited at any time of the year.

“This is not the case of the police wishing to stop people enjoying themselves; arranging an unlicensed music event is an offence and officers also have powers to seize equipment.

“As we continue to move forward and lockdown restrictions ease gradually, we continue to ask our communities follow the Welsh Government guidance, stay safe and be mindful of the current rules in place.

“Officers will be out and about on patrol across all force areas to protect and reassure our communities.”