More than 3,000 illegal parties held in West Midlands since May
More than 3,000 illegal outdoor parties have been reported to police since May.
Police chiefs branded the parties and music events held over the summer “irresponsible” and “illegal”.
West Midlands Police has faced a battle to keep on top of the number of gatherings that have been reported during lockdown and over recent weeks after restrictions were eased.
Around 800 people have also been asked to leave public transport in the region for refusing to wear a mask since the rules came in, the force confirmed.
Police have been inundated with calls about raves, parties and unlicensed music events, as the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office said “communities support effective enforcement to close down or prevent these events”.
Deputy PPC Waheed Saleem said: “These gatherings aren’t just irresponsible, but illegal.
Risk
"It’s important those considering going to these events know that by attending them, you not only pose a risk to yourself, but also those you care about.
"Coronavirus is very much still out there and events like this can easily spread the virus.
"There has also been serious criminal behaviour reported; stabbings, drug use and, in some cases, shots fired.
"They are dangerous and the proactive work of our police in clamping down on them is vital to keeping the public safe.”
It was also revealed there were a total of 3,730 ‘directions to leave’ between March and July.
These have been growing again since rules were introduced ordering people to wear masks on public transport, with hundreds told to leave trains and buses.
