More graffiti and anti-social behaviour was reported in Giant's Hole over the weekend by cavers. The paint has been removed today and DCA also took the opportunity to meet someone from the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team over at the cave. They will raise the issue with the local Police teams and hopefully we might see the occasional Police vehicle popping down to the car park as a deterrent. DCA are also speaking to the landowner and tenant about any other steps they wish to take.
Most 'non-caver' groups encountered here recently have been simply curious and not causing any harm. These people are best met with a polite bit of advice about correct equipment or joining a club / hiring an instructor. Please be an ambassador for the sport if you encounter such groups and remember many of us started out caving in poor equipment and with little experience.
However, cavers that do encounter criminal or anti-social behaviour, or the aftermath of it, created by the minority of visitors, should report it to the Police.
If a serious crime is taking place currently, or there is an emergency or risk to yourself or others, call 999 immediately.
Other crimes can be reported via 101 or on the Derbyshire Police website: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/.
The Derbyshire Rural Crime Team also suggested it was fine reporting issues to them directly via a message to their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ruralcrimeteam
DCA have no intention of becoming the cave police or private security here, however we have chosen to speak to the Police after this last incident because of the growing problem at this site. The cave is within a SSSI and our members have been regularly contacting us to ask if something can be done.
Pete Knight, on behalf of the DCA.
