Press Release 06/06/2005
http://www.wiltshire.police.uk/news/newsview.asp?id=715
Wiltshire Police are encouraged by the success of the operation to prevent raves being set up in the county, particularly in Savernake Forest, and intend to continue gathering intelligence to identify other likely targets throughout the summer. Inspector Jerry Dawson, who is based in Marlborough confirms it is still the intention to vigorously enforce current legislation and take positive action.
Operation Acoustic gathered information from a wide range of sources, including the internet and local residents. It was clear that an attempt to hold a rave in Savernake Forest was planned for the bank holiday week-end at the end of May but news of Wiltshire’s stance persuaded organisers to look elsewhere. The Police press release, carried by the BBC Wiltshire website, was copied onto several rave forum websites and the chatroom content clearly showed plans were being changed.
A couple of links stated that Savernake was an ideal location for a party and it was such a shame the venue had to be changed due to “Old Bill crawling all over the forest”. In the event a large event was staged in Wales.
The first part of the operation in Wiltshire was very successful as a smaller rave was also stopped during the setting up stage by resources at Walkers Hill in Pewsey on Saturday 28th May.
The second part of the operation, concerning the 20th Anniversary of Beanfield, had been widely advertised on the internet – but so was the police planned operation against it. Many links to the police press release were posted on websites; however, up to twenty vehicles containing New Age Travellers turned up at Postern Hill, Savernake during the day and were turned away. A makeshift sign was placed alongside the A346 road by individuals who attempted to direct other persons to Postern Hill Picnic Site in Savernake. This sign was removed by Police.
At around 7.00 pm on the 31st of May 2005 a barrier was broken at Hat Gate, Savernake and a large log that was blocking the entrance to the picnic site was dragged out of the way by a heavy vehicle . Eight large vehicles and their numerous occupants then began to set up a party with loud music but Operation Acoustic officers on duty closed it down and moved them on before they could enter the picnic site and become established.
Comments posted on the internet after the week-end have confirmed that the actions by Wiltshire Police prevented a large rave from occurring over the bank holiday week-end and thwarted the plans of many groups which would have resulted in misery for local residents and criminal damage to the area. Inspector Jerry Dawson said:
‘Operation Acoustic will continue to monitor activities throughout the summer and whatever action is necessary will be taken to ensure such unwelcome anti-social behaviour does not take place within the county.’
