Look out for signs of illegal raves this weekend
Thursday, 5th April 2012.
Police are urging members of the public and landowners across Suffolk to report any suspicious activity in the run-up to and during the Easter weekend, in a bid to crack down on illegal raves in the county.
Warnings are also being issued to anyone organising an illegal rave that any sound equipment found will be seized, causing significant financial loss to organisers, and they will be prosecuted.
Residents play a key role in preventing raves. By reporting any suspicious activities - such as trespassers taking an interest in what could be a potential rave site, or invasions onto land by people with vans suitable for transporting sound equipment - they can play an important part in preventing an event from taking place.
Officers are also urging landowners to remain vigilant and immediately report any activity which may lead them to suspect a rave is being organised on their land.
Extra care should be taken to ensure that property entrances are secured wherever this is possible. Police across the county work with landowners, the Forestry Commission and Farmwatch to offer security advice.
Ch Supt David Skevington said: "Historically we have seen illegal raves being held over Bank Holiday weekends. I want to warn anyone who is considering organising a rave that they will face prosecution for holding such an event - we have successfully prosecuted people who have organised raves in Suffolk in the past.
"We will also seek to prosecute anyone attending a rave who commits other offences, such as damage.
"And for those who are hoping to attend an illegal rave, I would urge them to be mindful that these events, by their very nature, are not well organised and are often linked to drug associated criminality.
"Illegal rave organisers have little concern for the health, safety and welfare of those attending the event; for the local residents, who are adversely affected by the noise, rave-related anti-social behaviour and impact on the environment; or for the landowner left with litter and damage.
"I would also like to take the opportunity to appeal for the public's help in tackling this issue. Early information from the public is critical if we are to prevent a rave from taking place.
"If we get reliable and timely information about where and when an event is being set up, generally we can get to the site, identify the organisers and seize sound and other equipment before the rave begins.
"There are some cases where a rave is up and running with large crowds already present. In these instances it may be necessary to manage the event where it is, monitoring it closely to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of those attending.
"Vehicles trying to get on or off site will be stopped and dealt with for any offences they might be committing. Where possible the organisers will be identified and dealt with at the end of the event, which will be closed as soon as it is safe to do so."
Anyone with information about an illegal rave or witness to suspicious activity on farmland or in buildings should contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101.
Warnings are also being issued to anyone organising an illegal rave that any sound equipment found will be seized, causing significant financial loss to organisers, and they will be prosecuted.
Residents play a key role in preventing raves. By reporting any suspicious activities - such as trespassers taking an interest in what could be a potential rave site, or invasions onto land by people with vans suitable for transporting sound equipment - they can play an important part in preventing an event from taking place.
Officers are also urging landowners to remain vigilant and immediately report any activity which may lead them to suspect a rave is being organised on their land.
Extra care should be taken to ensure that property entrances are secured wherever this is possible. Police across the county work with landowners, the Forestry Commission and Farmwatch to offer security advice.
Ch Supt David Skevington said: "Historically we have seen illegal raves being held over Bank Holiday weekends. I want to warn anyone who is considering organising a rave that they will face prosecution for holding such an event - we have successfully prosecuted people who have organised raves in Suffolk in the past.
"We will also seek to prosecute anyone attending a rave who commits other offences, such as damage.
"And for those who are hoping to attend an illegal rave, I would urge them to be mindful that these events, by their very nature, are not well organised and are often linked to drug associated criminality.
"Illegal rave organisers have little concern for the health, safety and welfare of those attending the event; for the local residents, who are adversely affected by the noise, rave-related anti-social behaviour and impact on the environment; or for the landowner left with litter and damage.
"I would also like to take the opportunity to appeal for the public's help in tackling this issue. Early information from the public is critical if we are to prevent a rave from taking place.
"If we get reliable and timely information about where and when an event is being set up, generally we can get to the site, identify the organisers and seize sound and other equipment before the rave begins.
"There are some cases where a rave is up and running with large crowds already present. In these instances it may be necessary to manage the event where it is, monitoring it closely to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of those attending.
"Vehicles trying to get on or off site will be stopped and dealt with for any offences they might be committing. Where possible the organisers will be identified and dealt with at the end of the event, which will be closed as soon as it is safe to do so."
Anyone with information about an illegal rave or witness to suspicious activity on farmland or in buildings should contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101.
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