PEOPLE thinking about attending an illegal rave in Cheshire this weekend should reconsider, according to police.
The police’s appeal for party-goers to stay away comes after a series of unlicensed outdoor events across the country have been held in the past week, with some of them resulting in serious physical harm, sexual assault, and fatal overdoses.
Last weekend, six people from Warrington were ordered to leave a planned rave site in Macclesfield Forest by police officers after setting up camp.
Police say they have intelligence that more raves are planned this weekend.
Cheshire Constabulary Superintendent Julie Westgate said: “I would urge anyone who is planning to attend an illegal rave to think twice. We have a dedicated policing operation in place and increased police presence across the county throughout the weekend.
“Our teams will be patrolling key locations and they will act on any intelligence they receive regarding any possible events.
“We know that people want to go out and socialise with friends, but everyone needs to remember that the coronavirus regulations are still in place.
“New cases of Covid-19 are being diagnosed in the community every day and it’s essential that we all follow the national guidance, including social distancing, to help protect the NHS and save lives.
Senior Cheshire Police figures have said that while officers will only use enforcement as a last resort – and “will continue to use common sense and discretion to determine what is [a] reasonable” gathering – action will be taken if necessary.
This could include the seizure of any music equipment, arrest, or even prosecution.
Anyone with any information or intelligence in relation to any possible illegal raves is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101.
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