Gold rush hits North Wales as opportunistic panners take advantage of coronavirus crisis
North Wales Police has revealed how opportunistic gold panners are taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis.
The force has received several reports of people going gold panning in the Dolgellau area.
Members of the Rural Crime Team are now patrolling to keep an eye out for anyone flouting the strict COVID-19 rules, which have put a ban on non-essential travel.
In a post on Twitter, the team said: “We have been receiving reports of people taking advantage of the current situation by going gold panning in the Dolgellau area.
“We will be maintaining patrols throughout the pandemic.”
A video was shared on the same post which shows an officer patrolling the Coed y Brenin Forest Park.
It is home to a trail which takes you past the area’s last gold mine, Gwynfynnydd which closed in 1999.
We have been receiving reports of people taking advantage of the current situation by going gold panning in the Dolgellau area. We will be maintaining patrols throughout the pandemic.
Join Rhys on patrol as he checks the area out. pic.twitter.com/dhvFX8Ad5U
— Tîm Troseddau Cefn Gwlad HGC/ NWP Rural Crime Team (@NWPRuralCrime) March 28, 2020
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