Police Act Quickly to Disperse Rave in Oxfordshire Village
Thames Valley Police responded swiftly to reports of a suspected illegal rave in a woodland area near Horton-Cum-Studley on the morning of May 4. Witnesses reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and a fire being lit, prompting a prompt police response to disperse the gathering.
According to the police, one man, a 19-year-old from Abingdon, was arrested at the scene but has since been released under investigation. The police issued a stern warning to potential organisers of similar events, emphasising that the force would respond vigorously, stating that “we will seize sound equipment, and your event will be closed down.” They further appreciated the public for their vigilance and reporting of the incident.
This isn't the first instance of illicit gatherings in the region. Historical data reveals a pattern of incidents involving illegal raves, with Thames Valley Police previously dealing with similar situations over the years. In May 2011, a rave in Catmore, Berkshire, attracted about 350 attendees, leading to a confrontation that resulted in injuries to 13 officers. The police faced considerable hostility, and six individuals were subsequently arrested.
A larger assembly in May 2015 in Twyford Wood, Lincolnshire, drew nearly 1,000 participants, resulting in 21 officers being injured during attempts to break up the event. Bottles and other missiles were thrown at responding officers, illustrating the potential dangers of such gatherings. The Financial implications of these events are also concerning, with the Forestry Commission complaining about the burden placed on taxpayers due to damage and disruption caused by unauthorized raves.
In a similar vein, Chelsea Harvey was sentenced to 12 months in prison in May 2016 after she drove her car at a police officer during a rave in Lincolnshire, demonstrating the severe risks associated with these gatherings, which extend beyond mere property damage to personal safety.
As warmer weather approaches, Thames Valley Police have reiterated calls for landowners in areas like Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire to remain vigilant. The police advised landowners to routinely inspect their properties for signs of unauthorized events, particularly during bank holidays or weekends when such gatherings typically escalate. Reports from previous years indicate that police successfully shut down nine similar events in the South East during a single bank holiday weekend, an effort aimed at maintaining public safety and order.
The recent incident near Horton-Cum-Studley underscores the ongoing challenges local law enforcement faces in managing illegal raves, with the police emphasizing a proactive stance against future occurrences.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1]
- Paragraph 2 – [1], [2]
- Paragraph 3 – [3], [4]
- Paragraph 4 – [5], [6]
- Paragraph 5 – [1], [7]
Source: Noah Wire Services