Police have moved to lock down Briton Ferry Docks for the entire bank holiday weekend after fears grew of a potential illegal rave in the area.
South Wales Police have brought in special powers — known as a Section 35 dispersal order — that let officers tell anyone they suspect of being there for trouble to leave the area. Anyone who refuses can be arrested on the spot.
The order came into force on Friday evening and runs until 3pm on Sunday — meaning officers have the power to clear the docks throughout the warmest weekend of the year so far.
Police say there will be a heavy uniformed presence around the docks all weekend, both day and night.
The crackdown covers the dock area on the eastern bank of the River Neath, close to the M4 and the Briton Ferry bridge — a quiet, semi-industrial spot that police say has previously been targeted by people organising illegal music events.
So-called raves — unlicensed music gatherings, often held in remote or industrial locations — have become a particular concern over bank holiday weekends, when organisers count on long nights, good weather and the chance of getting in before police can shut them down.
Sergeant Molly Llewellyn, of South Wales Police, said the force understood people wanted to enjoy the bank holiday — but warned there were limits.
She said: “With the forthcoming bank holiday weekend and the associated warm weather forecast, it is recognised that many individuals will wish to socialise and enjoy this period. However, it is essential that all such activities take place in a safe and lawful manner.”
She added that illegal raves were not just a problem for the people attending, but for the wider community.
“Unlicensed music events, commonly referred to as ‘raves’, present significant risks not only to those in attendance but also to the wider community,” she said. “These risks include — but are not limited to — increased levels of anti-social behaviour, public disorder, violence, drug and alcohol misuse, and the presence of unsafe environments.”
People are being warned not to head to any unlicensed event they hear about over the weekend — and anyone who knows of one being planned is being asked to tip off the police.
Sgt Llewellyn said: “Members of the public are strongly advised not to attend such gatherings. Additionally, anyone with information relating to these activities is encouraged to report it to the police.”
A Section 35 order can be put in place for up to 48 hours at a time. The Briton Ferry order will run for about 72 hours in total — meaning police will have extended or renewed the powers to cover the full bank holiday.
As well as ordering people to leave, the powers also let officers seize items being used in anti-social behaviour — for example, sound equipment that could be used at an illegal event.
Anyone with information can call South Wales Police on 101, message them on social media, or pass tips anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.
