After 18 arrests, officers vow to continue raves crackdown
POLICE have promised to continue to crack down on illegal raves across Staffordshire after 18 arrests were made last month.
This includes arrests at one in Brookhay Lane, Fradley, near the A38, on June 13, where approximately 1,000 people turned up.
Those attending were dispersed by officers, with many more being challenged and turned way.
Chief Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, head of contact and response at Staffordshire Police, is leading the operation. He said officers were continuing to gather intelligence to prevent illegal raves.
He appealed to members of the public to share any information they had and said further arrests were likely.
On June 20, officers made 13 arrests in connection with a planned rave near Chasewater and three more arrests were made in relation to a planned rave near Rugeley the following weekend.
Chief Supt Ratcliffe said: “I’m urging anyone who is considering attending an illegal rave to stop and think about the consequences.
“I understand that lockdown is being eased but these unlawful gatherings cannot take place.
“We are aware that there are possible further illegal raves being organised in Staffordshire.
“We have a continuing, dedicated policing operation in place, with a much higher police presence in potential hot spot areas.”
Chief Supt Ratcliffe said coronavirus continued to be a major risk, but urged people not to attend the events as they are illegal and unsafe.
He said: “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.
“I would also like to send a really clear message to organisers of illegal raves – we will deal with you robustly and you will be arrested.
“Please seriously consider the risks and ask yourself if it’s worth it. We want to warn young people of the significant risks posed by such events and keep our communities safe.
“To those thinking about attending such events, you could face enforcement action and receive a criminal record. Do not go to illegal raves and risk your lives.
“I’m also calling on the public to help us – 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.”
Anyone who suspects a rave is being set up is urged to contact Staffordshire Police via Facebook or Twitter, by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.