Police will launch 'Operation Derig' this Bank Holiday weekend aimed at preventing or disrupting organised illegal raves.

The force says that each year Cornwall a significant police resource is required to respond and manage the removal of a number of illegal 'raves' and that this "diverts valuable resources away from regular policing" and that they have a damaging impact on the affected communities and the immediate local environment.

Intelligence led operations under 'Operation Derig' are aimed at preventing or disrupting illegal raves, with officers patrolling "potential areas of risk to illegal gatherings in order to provide a timely response and prevent such events from taking place".

The force has linked up with National Park, Forestry Commission, Environmental Health, and Southwest Lakes Trust, in a bid to share information.

The policesay experience shows that raves result in arrests for drink driving and drug possession. They also have the power to seize sound equipment.

Detective Superintendent Glen Mayhew said, “Whilst illegal raves tend to occur in the remote areas, they have an impact on local residents and others who look to make use these area’s for leisure activities. The raves are illegal as they are not only very disruptive but they present dangers to those who attend. Safety regulations used at all public events were introduced to ensure safety of those attending, yet illegal raves do not follow any guidance. We have seen incidents where people have got lost in poor weather in very remote areas and come to harm, as well as people attending suffering medical episodes and in need of medical attention – yet due to terrain and the management of the rave site it is extremely difficult for police and other emergency services to respond to calls.

'During previous illegal raves, we have arrested people connected with the organised sale of illegal drugs as well as drink driving and criminal damage. We will not shy away from using all appropriate legislation to prevent such events and where a rave has been established we will look to seize sound equipment.

He added that investigations will be conducted against the organisers who could be liable for criminal and civil offences.

Officers are also calling on the public to get in touch, as the key to preventing illegal raves is early notification.

'We would actively encourage members of the public to report any illegal gatherings as soon as possible in order the police may prevent them from taking place.