Welshpool area on Easter rave alert
With the warmer weather expected, organisers are again running the rule over Mid Wales to host parties that can leave a trail of problems in their wake.
Thousands can turn up unannounced at a rural location to dance the night away, but police are asking for help to prevent them happening in the first place through #OpFlamenco.
Superintendent Craig Templeton, Head of Specialist Operations for Dyfed-Powys Police, said:
“Raves can cause anxiety to the community they are held in, and if not dealt with swiftly are difficult to stop due to the sheer numbers of people involved. There is also a safety concern involved in breaking-up such events.
“As a force, action is taken as soon as we gather any intelligence of an event being planned. We will continue to respond swiftly to reports of illegal gatherings, and where appropriate will prosecute those responsible in order to protect our communities.
“However, these types of illegal events are carefully co-ordinated to avoid police attention, and organisers will always try to find new ways to avoid being found out.
“We rely on the support of communities to report any suspicious activity immediately, so action can be taken to disrupt illegal gatherings swiftly.
“I would encourage farmers, landowners and local communities to report anything they feel is suspicious or out of the ordinary by calling 101 or emailing contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk.”
Dai Rees, Land Management Team Leader from Natural Resources Wales said: “Last year’s illegal rave at Brechfa Forest not only caused distress to local people but also required considerable time and money to clean up afterwards.
“We continue to work closely with Dyfed Powys Police and the local community to stop illegal raves from taking place in our forestry. We strongly urge anyone who is concerned about any suspicious activity in their local forest to report it to the Police using the 101 number, or 999 if it’s an emergency.”
Know the signs:
· Unusual numbers of vehicles, especially camper vans, vans or trucks, seen in the locality
· Illegal trespassers may recce sites in advance of any rave
· People may approach landowners and ask around for land, in the guise of hiring it for acceptable activities such as gymkhanas or scout camps
· If you suspect anyone who approaches you for land hire might not be who they say they are, please do not hesitate to contact police
· Social networks make it easier for organisers to spread the word – rave attendance numbers can grow hugely in short spaces of time, and locations can change quickly.
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