Rugeley man arrested in connection with planned rave in Staffordshire

Staffordshire Police arrested the 18-year-old on Thursday, as an operation to crack down on illegal raves continues.

He was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to cause a public nuisance and has been given bail conditions.

Officers have already made 13 arrests in connection with a planned rave near Chasewater and five more arrests were made in relation to a planned rave near Rugeley, both last month. On the weekend of June 13, a rave was stopped near Lichfield where 1,000 people had attended.

Chief Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, head of contact and response at Staffordshire Police, who is leading the county-wide operation, said: “I understand that lockdown is being eased but these unlawful gatherings cannot take place. We have a continuing, dedicated policing operation in place, with a much higher police presence in potential hot spot areas.”

“Don’t attend these events as they are illegal and unsafe. We will intervene in incidents and seek to prosecute anyone who has taken part in any illegal activity – whether that be drug supply or public disorder and any violence.”

“If you have any intelligence or hear about an event taking place, please get in touch with us so we can prevent it and ultimately save lives. The key to stopping these events is early intelligence.”

If you suspect a rave or illegal gathering is being set up or there is suspicious activity, contact Staffordshire Police by calling 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.