Police broke up a gathering of young people in Crawley’s Maidenbower Square during a spate of crackdowns on breaches of the Covid-19 distancing rules.
The incident was one of many attended by officers across Sussex over the weekend, which included the county’s first £10,000 fine being issued to the organiser of a 100-person party in Brighton.
Officers used a Section 34 dispersal order to break up the Crawley gathering, where the young people were reportedly committing antisocial behaviour.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said:
“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone and we are all being affected by the current situation in one way or another. Throughout the entire pandemic, Sussex Police have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the Covid19 regulations from the vast majority of Sussex residents and visitors who are trying their best to adapt to the changing situation. We will continue to take a proportionate approach, to understand people’s circumstances, and engage, explain and encourage compliance ahead of any enforcement.
“However, I am saddened to say that a minority of people are acting irresponsible by testing the boundaries and, in some cases, blatantly flouting government regulations with a complete disregard for the impact of this disease on others and, I want to make it clear, it is not just students and young people. This behaviour will not be tolerated and those who choose to knowingly break the rules will be fined. We will be turning up the dial on enforcement where people are blatantly disregarding regulations which risk the acceleration of the spread of Covid in Sussex. This will include additional patrols in hot spot areas where fines will be issued to those who do not comply.
“I am also disappointed to say that unfortunately, a number of my front line colleagues over the weekend suffered injuries and were subjected to both verbal and physical abuse. Our officers and staff find themselves in a wide variety of often unpredictable and fast moving situations, however the behaviour some of them had to experience on the weekend was simply appalling. I continue to be very clear that any assaults on those front line workers doing their very best to protect the law abiding public will be dealt with firmly.
“None of us would ever choose to be in our current position, and I empathise hugely with those who have lost loved ones, or whose business and employment has been affected. It is now more important than ever for us all to work together, support one another and ensure we are all adhering to the latest government guidance. We need to protect the NHS and save lives by helping to prevent the spread of the virus.”
Local authorities and partners across Sussex are continuing to work together to help people manage the latest restrictions.
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