POLICE are warning organisers of illegal raves they will use all available powers to stop such events from going ahead.

Wiltshire Constabulary has joined-up with its four neighbouring forces to clampdown on illegal raves in the South West.

The region has been pinpointed as one of the most likely to be targeted by rave organisers, according to police intelligence.

Operation Hartley will target the organisers in a proactive manner, using all available legislation, to stop the festivals and gatherings before they begin.

Other agencies, including English Heritage, will be consulted as part of the operation.

Stonehenge will be one of the high-risk areas under close scrutiny, as many hundreds of people are expected to gather at the ancient monument in June to celebrate the summer solstice.

Officers from Avon and Somerset will step-up surveillance around the time of Glastonbury Festival, to ensure people without tickets do not try and set-up alternative gatherings.

Wiltshire's Assistant Chief Constable Peter Vaughan said Operation Hartley was another example of forces working together.

"The message to the organisers of illegal raves is that should you decide to go ahead with plans to stage an unlawful gathering for this purpose, the police will use all available powers to stop the event and if necessary seize the sound equipment," he said.

"Unsanctioned events are not only illegal but are not properly assessed for safety and could put a large number of people in danger."

Members of the public are being urged to help the police by reporting any suspicious activities on open land or in disused buildings. Police in Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and Gloucestershire are involved in the operation.