Police crackdown on illegal raves

Devon and Cornwall Police are calling upon the public to help them prevent and disrupt illegal raves over the busy May Bank Holiday.

The Force will be running Operation Derig to take a tough stance against rave goers and organisers by closing down illegal gatherings.

Dedicated officers will patrol potential rave sites due to the increased risk of illegal events over the holiday weekend.

Operation Derig is an intelligence-led initiative which sees partner agencies such as the National Park, Forestry Commission, Environmental Health, and Southwest Lakes Trust sharing information to prevent such gatherings.

Police also urge the public to contact them with information at an early stage if they see any illegal gathering being planned or being set up in their community.

The Bank Holiday operation will build upon a successful series of similar initiatives throughout 2014. At Easter this year officers managed to stop a potential rave from escalating in St Austell.

Superintendent James Pearce said: “Historically a number illegal raves and unlicensed music events have been held over Bank Holidays. These events are illegal and will not be tolerated. These types of unregulated events are not only dangerous to those attending but cause disruption to people who live nearby.

“We will take positive action regarding criminal activity and identify and target organisers. We can seize any equipment associated with the activity and take positive action against those suspected of offences such as drink driving and drug possession.

“The Force has spent considerable time engaging with local communities which have been previously affected by illegal gatherings. We also appeal to members of the public to keep us informed to help disrupt any illegal raves as early intervention is key; accurate and timely information can allow us to close down an event before it has even started.”

Anyone with information about an illegal rave or gathering is asked to contact police by telephone on 101 or email at 101@devonandcornwall.pnn/police.uk