Pledge Of 'Robust' Sussex Police Action Against Unlicensed Raves

A new promise has come of "robust action" from police against organisers, attendees, or prospective attendees, of unlicensed raves in Sussex.

Officers made their statement after two recent gatherings in the county, near Steyning and in Portslade.

Police said the response they made, to deal with attendees and organisers, could have taken resources away from genuine emergencies.

The statement added that the police's opinion of raves operating without appropriate permission is that:

"...they are unacceptable, they put lives at risk, they are seriously antisocial and they will not be tolerated."

Their warning also included the possibility of attendees being checked for traffic offences, going to or from any such event.

Superintendent James Collis said:

“We will absolutely not tolerate these illegal and unlicensed events in Sussex, and as demonstrated by the recent events in Steyning and Portslade, we will shut them down, we will seize equipment and we will make arrests.

“Specialist patrols and intelligence checks will be carried out at potential hotspot areas across the county this weekend and beyond, and where we see illegal activity taking place, we will take action.”

Police also believe the events pose dangers, because there is no access to urgent medical attention and — if emergency services are required — the remote sites and large crowds can delay the team reaching anyone in need.

Public transport restrictions in these isolated areas have also resulted in attendees making their own way to these events — 79 of the 90 arrests made during the event in Steyning were for drink or drug-driving.

Supt Collis added:

“I was appalled by the number of people who were prepared to drive to or from the event whilst over the limit for drink or drugs.

"They made a conscious decision to risk the lives of themselves and others, and they will face the consequences.

"Thanks to the swift response of our officers to the scene and the surrounding areas, we were able to intercept a large number of suspected drink and drug-drivers, potentially preventing a number of serious or fatal road traffic collisions.

“Policing these illegal events means significant resources are pulled away from potentially more critical incidents, so we urge you not to attend.

"You may face arrest and prosecution if you are found at an illegal rave.

“We are hugely grateful to anyone who has supplied any information or intelligence to us; many illegal raves are prevented due to reports we receive from members of the public, and we urge people remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work with our partners and affected communities in our bid to combat this illegal and irresponsible activity.”

Officers said signs that may give away the location of an event, or planned event, include:

• cut fences,
• pedestrians trespassing,
• visitors clearly not equipped for a country walk,
• cars seemingly lost or left in yards or lanes,
• large numbers of vehicles parking in locations not usually used.