Kent Police Boost Bank Holiday Patrols to Smash Illegal Raves
Extra Cops on Duty to Stop Rule-Breakers
Kent Police are cracking down this bank holiday weekend with extra officers patrolling to bust unlawful gatherings. The force is keen to prevent any rule-breaking parties amid ongoing Covid-19 risks.
Hefty Fines for Organisers and Party-Goers
New laws introduced on Friday 28 August hit organisers hard. Anyone caught running or hosting gatherings of 30 or more people against coronavirus rules faces a whopping £10,000 fine. Party-goers aren’t off the hook either – they risk £100 fines that can double with each repeat offence, topping out at £3,200.
Recent Raids Show Police Mean Business
Officers have already smashed several illegal shindigs in recent weeks. At Darenth Country Park on 22 August, cops seized music equipment and told 20 revellers to scram before a huge unlicensed rave could kick off. A dispersal order kept people from returning.
Warning from Assistant Chief Constable
“While most in Kent stick to lockdown rules, it’s frustrating some still throw huge parties,” said Assistant Chief Constable Nicola Faulconbridge. “Covid-19 hasn’t vanished — these gatherings risk the health of attendees and everyone they meet afterwards, including vulnerable family and friends.”
“We’re upping patrols at hotspots this bank holiday and urge anyone spotting planned events to report them immediately.”
