POLICE have announced a crackdown on raves after several illegal parties were broken up during lockdown.

Officers were called to seven incidents described as large gatherings or raves including one in Southampton, dispersing groups of up to 600 people flouting the lockdown rules to party.

Sound system devices, speakers and a petrol generator, as well as some personal items left at the scene, were seized following the incidents.

Paul Holmes, MP for Eastleigh, said: “An illegal party in one of our beautiful nature reserves is appalling at the best of times.

“However during a global pandemic, when people have worked so hard to control the virus, it is both selfish and reckless.”

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: “We entirely understand that many people want to go out and enjoy the summer weather, especially young people who want to see their friends, and whilst we of course want people to have a good time, this needs to be done in a socially responsible way, within the law, and with due regard for everyone’s safety.

“For young people, it’s important for us that parents are aware of where their children are and what they are doing, and recognising there are still Government guidelines in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which still presents a real and deadly threat.

“We will continue to ensure large outdoor spaces are part of our patrols to deal with those gathering in large groups or causing anti-social behaviour which can ruin other people’s enjoyment of outdoor spaces.”

  • On May 16, officers were called to a rave in a field in Lordswood. It was reported between 20-25 people were in attendance playing music and using disco lighting.
  • On June 28, police attended reports of a rave in Oakley. On attendance equipment was being packed away and 50 - 60 attendees left.
  • On July 11, officers received a report of loud music coming from Westwood Nature Reserve off Grange Road in Netley Abbey.
  • On the same day, police attended woodlands in Purbrook Heath, Waterlooville after it was reported there was an illegal rave with a DJ rig, tent and lights. The unlicensed event was attended by more than 600 people.
  • On July 18, it was reported that a group of young people were gathering on Portsdown Hill. Officers deployed to the area and found the group to be in excess of 100 people. Officers say there is also evidence that some of the people who attended the event abused nitrous oxide - also know as laughing gas.
  • On July 31, police attended a report of a gathering in a wooded area in Warsash and found there was about 60-80 people in a group found with audio equipment.
  • On the same day, it was reported an illegal rave was happening on farmland in Denmead as residents could hear music and see lights. Officers found 100 young people in attendance, again with audio equipment which they agreed to pack up and the group dispersed.