POLICE in Cornwall will have dedicated rave patrols in place this Bank Holiday weekend to prevent and disturb organised illegal parties.
According to the force each year in Cornwall and Devon a significant police resource is required to respond and manage the removal of a number of illegal raves.
This, the force said, diverts valuable resources away from regular policing and has a damaging impact on the affected communities and the immediate local environment.
Throughout the spring and summer months, intelligence led operations will take place under Operation Derig aimed at preventing or disrupting illegal rave events.
Dedicated officers will patrol potential areas of risk to illegal gatherings the next one taking place this weekend.
Detective superintendent Glen Mayhew said: "While illegal raves tend to occur in the remote areas, they have an impact on local residents and others who look to make use these area's for leisure activities.
"The raves are illegal as they are not only very disruptive but they present dangers to those who attend. Safety regulations used at all public events were introduced to ensure safety of those attending, yet illegal raves do not follow any guidance.
"We have seen incidents where people have got lost in poor weather in very remote areas and come to harm, as well as people attending suffering medical episodes and in need of medical attention – yet due to terrain and the management of the rave site it is extremely difficult for police and other emergency services to respond to calls.
"During previous illegal raves, we have arrested people connected with the organised sale of illegal drugs as well as drink driving and criminal damage. We will not shy away from using all appropriate legislation to prevent such events and where a rave has been established we will look to seize sound equipment."
Mr Mayhew added that investigations will be conducted against the organisers who could be liable for criminal and civil offences.
Anyone who suspects people are visiting a particular area with a view to planning an illegal gathering, or they see the site being set up are asked to ring the police and report any illegal gatherings as soon as possible.
