Illegal rave held in travel firm Kuoni's new headquarters
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An illegal rave attended by about 500 people was held in the future headquarters of a travel company - yet the managing director has reacted by displaying a sense of humour.
The party was held in a vacant unit at Dorking Office Park, Surrey, soon to be home to Kuoni , it has been revealed.
Police say damage was done to the building - with further damage and rubbish was left at nearby Meadowbank skate park.
They were called to the building just after midnight on Saturday and had to disperse the crowd.
Kuoni revealed in June this year that they will be moving to the new site at the business park by June 2018 from their current site in Deepdene Avenue.
(Image: Surrey Mirror WS)
(Image: Surrey Mirror WS)
The company confirmed that the unlicensed music event did take place inside the building they will be moving into.
Derek Jones, managing director of Kuoni UK, said: "Kuoni hasn't yet taken possession of the building.
"We are planning to move from our current location at Kuoni House in the spring of next year.
(Image: @MoleValleyBeat/Twitter)
"We have spoken with the landlord who has informed us that the level of damage caused was minimal. We're extremely grateful to Surrey Police for their quick response to the incident.
"We love being in Dorking. We've been based here for 40 years and we plan to be here for many years to come.
"This is the first time we've hosted the town rave – and hopefully the last."
(Image: @MoleValleyBeat/Twitter)
Although the damage is being described as "minimal", the word "drizzle" can be seen written on the walls inside the building, having been daubed there during the rave, the Surrey Mirror reports.
Police images show drinks cans and bottles and, in one of the photos, a police officer holds two fire extinguishers.
Mr Jones told said in June that the building had recently been refurbished and decorating plans are still ongoing.
(Image: Surrey Mirror WS)
The landlord has been contacted for details about how the building was broken into.
Surrey Police have launched an investigation into the incident but no arrests have yet been made.
A force spokesman said officers from Mole Valley’s policing team were fully investigating the circumstances around Saturday night’s unlicensed music event.
Mole Valley’s Inspector Karen Coyne said: “Surrey Police will not tolerate unlicensed events in our area.
"Those who attended the event had paid for entry and may have believed they were going to a legitimate licensed event.
(Image: @MoleValleyBeat/Twitter)
"This event caused significant impact to the local residents.
"The building was extensively damaged. There is also some damage to the Meadowbank skate park.
"We thank the community who were vigilant and reported information that helped us to respond appropriately.
"We are now keen to track down the organisers as part of our investigation.”
"If you have any information please contact Police on 101 and quote reference 45170088426.
"Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111."