the problem with London is that the scum who do the muggings are actually prepared to fight any security – they are occasionally driven out (as has happened in the provinces) but even if they lose they regroup, or will at least try and “go down fighting” and get a few punches in (if prevented from openly carrying weapons, they will try to use their bodies or improvised weapons such as bottles).
Also London party security (with the exception of certain crews) are often more “revenue collectors” who enforce the door tax; they do keep out the worst of the scum but they may stand down once they have been paid.
The locals wait for this and then move in.
there is a long-standing street culture of gangs fighting in London which predates the rave scene for many years – and any part of London can be dodgy for street robberies.
I don’t know though why raves have been targeted more in recent years as TBH until about 2001 it wasn’t a serious problem; maybe its because cops and CCTV have become more effective elsewhere.
I can’t help but think about the negative effect of certain scenes like grime where aggressive lyrics and fighting are seen as part of the scene..
I have still been to decent parties in London last winter but they are put on by crews who discourage any public/on-line discussion of their events or venues for this reason; you are dealing with an enemy with time on its hands, local knowledge and hate in their hearts.
Its difficult as the crews are are essentially trying to succeed where Scotland Yard and Red Ken have failed..
Raves outside London have less problems with robberies but fights due to local disputes between people who know one another or jealousy over girls can occasionally happen.
