Illegal rave, Bellever Woods Dartmoor

Update 0900 040612

During Sunday afternoon police were successful in closing down the illegal rave on Dartmoor. Officers entered the site late afternoon and secured the closing down of three significant sound systems and stages. Several hundred left last night and a small number of people remained at the venue overnight as they were not fit to drive.

Some people had driven several hundred miles to attend and were not in a position to leave overnight. Officers remained on site overnight and will be there during the day as people leave.

Supt Glen Mayhew “This event caused considerable concern and nuisance to our communities and we have reacted in a manner that has highlighted that we have no tolerance for illegal raves. As well as the impact on local residents and damage to environment they pose a risk to those attending due to environment. People are vulnerable as they are not equipped for the weather and conditions on Dartmoor. I have officers remaining on site during the day to ensure every-one leaves safely”.

“I am pleased with the impact our policing operation has had in preventing this rave from escalating and running over the full bank holiday weekend. It is clear that the early call from local residents allowed us to put officers in place to maximise our impact”.

 

 

 

Since the early hours of Sunday morning police have been dealing with an illegal rave on Dartmoor, near to Bellever Woods at Postbridge.

Overnight an estimated 500 vehicles and 1,500 people were on site. Police set up road blocks to prevent more people attending and have turned away a couple of hundred of people during the day. During the day 4 persons have been arrested for drugs related offences and are currently in custody.

 

Early evening police entered the site to assist those still at the event to disperse. Officers from across the force have been used for this incident. Rave legislation will be enforced and police will be taking a robust approach to enforcing this legislation which as well as arrest can include seizure of vehicles and sound equipment.

 

Supt Glen Mayhew said “This is an event which appears to be formally organised by a company for monetary gain and has caused significant nuisance to local communities. The arrival of hundreds of vehicles overnight and the music being played at a volume that could be heard several miles away has caused distress to families, as well as farmers and landowners. We are working with forestry commission, land owners and local authority to minimise this disruption and will seek to take robust action. We have been working with the communities effected to re-assure them and to minimise further disruption”.

 

Police are meeting with local communities to discuss the issues which have arisen.

 

Supt Glen Mayhew furthewr commented, “Whilst we are keen to support local communities, there is a safety consideration. This event is illegal as there are not the appropriate facilities in place for this number of people, and the environment is not suitable for a party. This means that those who do attend are at risk of injury and may not appreciate the position they are placing themselves”.

Additional officers are in place in prevent other illegal raves occurring in the force area from those that are displaced from this incident.

 

Anyone who has been adversely effected is asked to contact police on 101.