Man arrested at illegal rave in isolated woods
POLICE arrested one man and seized thousands of pounds worth of sound equipment at an illegal rave near Chulmleigh.
More than 50 revellers, most of whom were from North Devon, were removed from the isolated woodland site at Heywood Woods near Eggesford by police after several calls from annoyed residents.
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SEIZED: Sound equipment taken from an illegal rave at Wembworthy near Chulmleigh. Picture:Alan Quick
The rave, which is thought to have started around 3.30am, was still under way when officers arrived at the scene around 8.30am on Sunday, January 8.
The ravers had erected a scaffolding platform, generators and a large sound system at the woodland clearing which is owned by the Forestry Commission.
Police seized the scaffolding, speakers, decks and generators and arrested a 19-year-old man from Torrington for using threatening behaviour.
The man was given an £80 on-the-spot fine.
Crediton police Sergeant Dave MacFadden, who coordinated the raid, said there had been six similar reports of illegal raves at the same site in the past 18 months.
He said: "The loud, repetitive music was causing a lot of distress to those living nearby and although this is public land, it is illegal to camp at night and play loud music.
"There was also a large fire at the site and most of the revellers were under the influence of alcohol.
"Myself, along with nine other officers, directed the revellers to leave the site.
"There was also a fair amount of litter but most of it was cleared up before the revellers left."
Sgt MacFadden said illegal raves are usually organised via social networking websites like Facebook.
He said: "I'm hoping this raid will send out a clear message to anyone thinking of organising an illegal rave – it will not be tolerated.
"I've drawn a line in the sand and the police won't hesitate to prosecute anyone who organises events of this nature."
Sgt MacFadden said no one had owned up to organising the rave or owning the sound system which was seized.
He said: "We seized a lot of expensive equipment from the site so someone must be missing it. I would urge them to come forward and own up.
"Together with the Forestry Commission, Fire Service and local residents, I have set up a plan to deter raves in this area.
"Anyone with information about similar events in the area should call the police on 101 quoting reference number KC/11/662."
8 Comments
by Spr3adL0v3
Saturday, January 28 2012, 6:59PM
“Dear accom,
you sound like a very unhappy man with nothing better to do with your life than to spread hate and anger. your life situation is not the result of other peoples actions, it is the result of your attitude to life!
brilliant quote for you:
No possitive change can occure in your life as long as you cling to the thought that the reason for your not living well lies outside yourself, as long as you place responsibility entirely on others who treat you unfairly (eg lousy wife, unfair boss, bad genes, irresistable impulses........) then your situation will remain at an impass, you and you alone are responsible for the crucial aspects of your life situation, and only you have the power to change it!
this is a really famous quote, unfortunately i cant remember who by, but maybe think about it for a bit. you cant blame your life being the way it is on the occasional free party in your area. you sound more like you are trying to find someone or something to blame, for your life being the way your life is.
Some of the biggest problems in the world today stem from intolerance, unacceptance, narrow mindedness, hate and fear of the unknown. these are all traits you are clearly infested with. try turning your mind-view around and looking at the world from a more positive perspective. start spreading the love, love, love, love, love! this narrow viewpoint you are seeing the world through is old and tiresome and very outdated. this negative rubbish you are spreading is seen through blinkered eyes. open your eyes, heart and mind to all that is good in the world. stop spreading hate, start spreading some LOVE!.
watch this, it may help u. once you get past the cheesy lady at the beginning it is actually really interesting and good eye-opener. :)
http://tinyurl.com/6m8xne3”
by Steve_Thomson
Friday, January 27 2012, 10:18PM
“Accom is a Bigotted Nimbie who has nothing better to do with his time than shot off on local news stories.
He is also quite possibly a danger to the public.”
by Killgannon
Friday, January 27 2012, 4:29PM
“You actually just compared partygoers to murderers and rapists? Hilarious!
I'm no psychologist but it sounds like you've got alot of issues with yourself that need to be addressed instead of taking it out on anyone who's having more fun than you.
I think the vast amount of negative ratings you've received would agree.
But what does my opinion matter? I'm just a worthless piece of scum who doesn't deserve to be called human :)”
by accom
Thursday, January 26 2012, 1:35PM
“When you read of rapist, murderers etc. in the paper who you have never met, people don't hesitate to call them bad words. It's the same here - if they're involved in this type of disruptive activity, there is nothing good that can be said of them.
I lived in a small two-bedroom cottage on the outskirts of a village, and am not a Tory. I went clubbing and partying in my student days, but in the correct places and not in fields behind people's houses.
You've clearly never had your entire life destroyed by these people that don't deserve to be called human. I lost my job due to being unproductive thanks to sleep deprivation, my daughter failed exams, and my wife was put on Prozac and changed into a different person, smashing things in anger etc. when she is normally such a calm and happy person.
So yes, these people are absolute filth, as bad as paedophiles or murderers who couldn't care less about the lives that they ruin forever.”
by Killgannon
Monday, January 16 2012, 5:02PM
“"filth"
"scum"
"rats"
The majority of people at these events are actually good, honest folk. You know, the kind that don't use words like this to describe people they don't even know. I understand it causes residents alot of trouble/discomfort, which is one of the reasons I don't attend the raves any more. Regardless, nobody deserves to be called scum.
The world is bigger than you and your expensive country home.”
by accom
Sunday, January 15 2012, 7:06PM
“There needs to be harsher punishments for these filth. We moved house because illegal raves regularly took place in the field behind the house. It causes such disruption to people's lives, with sleep deprivation leading to mental illness and anger management issues with anyone who innocently makes any noise. I work all times of the day and night with my job and was deprived the right to sleep at night thanks to these scum. Well done on the police for taking a firm line with these rats.”
by rickoon
Friday, January 13 2012, 1:07PM
“Keep confiscating their gear and fine them.”
by Killgannon
Friday, January 13 2012, 11:51AM
“You will never stop the ravers!”