Appeal for information on illegal raves as woodland littered with rubbish and drugs paraphernalia
Police are asking the public to speak up about illegal raves after a site in Staffordshire was left in a "digusting" state by partygoers.
The summer holiday season is no excuse to hold illegal raves and park parties, said police as senior officers warned of the potential dangers.
Staffordshire Police released images from a site near Lichfield which in June was found strewn with rubbish including empty bottles and silver canisters.
“It was left in a disgusting state. It has cost a lot of time and money to clean up this site,” said Chief Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe.
“I’m appealing for people to share any information they have as we’re continuing to work hard to stop these events taking place.”
On June 20, officers made 13 arrests in connection with a planned rave near Chasewater, while five more arrests were made in relation to a planned rave near Rugeley on June 27.
Equipment including a generator, amplifier, speakers and a laptop were seized on one Saturday night in June.
On the weekend of June 13 a rave was stopped near Lichfield where 1,000 people had attended. Officers were spat at when they arrived to shut down the party.
Just last week, around 100 people were found partying at an illegal rave in a disused warehouse in Walsall. People were seen queuing to get into the building where loud music could be heard and a trailer selling food had been set up.
“Although there has been less activity in recent days we are not complacent. I’m urging anyone who is considering attending an illegal rave to stop and think about the consequences,” Chief Supt Ratcliffe said.
“I understand that lockdown is being eased but these unlawful gatherings cannot take place. We have a continuing, dedicated policing operation in place, with a much higher police presence in potential hotspot areas.
“Don’t attend these events as they are illegal and unsafe. We will intervene in incidents and seek to prosecute anyone who has taken part in any illegal activity – whether that be drug supply or public disorder and any violence.
“If you have any intelligence or hear about an event taking place, please get in touch with us so we can prevent it and ultimately save lives. The key to stopping these events is early intelligence.”
Superintendent Sean Kent said: "We know with schools breaking up and people booking time off during the summer they will have more time on their hands, and want to take time out to socialise.
"However, large gatherings only increase the risk of spreading this killer virus which you could then pass onto friends and loved ones. That is why restrictions remain in place against gatherings above 30 people. You cannot tell by looking at someone if they are free of Covid-19.
"At unauthorised events there won’t be the same safety and security measures in place and you could be a victim of crime. There is no access to medical treatment if needed, as there would be at a properly licensed event.
“Unauthorised events also take place without the permission of the local community, who suffer the noise and disruption."
If you suspect a rave or illegal gathering is being set up or there is suspicious activity, contact Staffordshire Police via Facebook or Twitter or by calling 101.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The information available using @what3words or @ordnancesurvey will help officers to pinpoint the location.
