More than 400 people were dispersed after police uncovered an illegal rave inside an industrial unit in St Ives in the early hours of Sunday morning. Officers on patrol came across the event in a unit in Burrel Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, at about 1.30am on Sunday (8 March).
Dozens of police officers and a police dog were deployed to the scene and a dispersal order was put in place to stop more people entering the building.
As a result, hundreds of partygoers were cleared from the area.
Three arrests
A 22-year-old man from Doddington was arrested on suspicion of burglary and organising an unlicensed musical event. He has been bailed until 7 June with conditions not to enter St Ives.
An 18-year-old from Stroud and a 26-year-old man from Swindon were arrested on suspicion of breaching a dispersal order, violent disorder and possession of drugs. They have been bailed until 6 June with conditions not to enter Cambridgeshire.
Equipment seized and power cut
Police seized music equipment and control units from inside the unit.
Officers also cut the power to the building and boarded it up to prevent any further incidents.
Police warning over illegal raves
Neighbourhood Inspector Colin Norden said illegal raves were often wrongly seen as harmless.
He said: “Raves are perceived to be unlicensed music events that are harmless fun and victimless crimes. Sadly this isn’t the case. Not only do they serve as an outlet for the supply and use of illegal drugs but they cause significant community disruption and damage.
“Illegal raves will not be tolerated and where appropriate any sound equipment onsite will be seized. Attendees leaving such an event, intending to drive, are also likely to be breathalysed.”
