Bank holiday rave warning

POLICE are calling on the public to be vigilant in the lead up to the bank holiday weekend in a bid to prevent illegal raves.

Landowners and members of the public are being urged to report any suspicion activity to stop ravers getting on to land.

Last year police received numerous complaints following a large-scale rave taking place in Ramsholt, near Woodbridge over the August bank holiday weekend.

Ten people were arrested and three men were charged in relation to the incident and went before the courts where they received fines.

Superintendent Mike Shields commented: “With the lead up to the bank holiday weekend plans are under way to ensure we prevent and deter any illegal raves taking place across the county.

“We are very reliant on information from the public who can play their part by calling us with details of any suspicious activity.

“Equally landowners are asked to be vigilant and make sure their land is as secure as possible. Organisers of raves will sometimes cut locks on gates or outbuildings the day before the rave is planned to start, so if you find your security has been tampered with - call the police.

“If anyone hears that a rave is planned, or they witness a large group of vehicles gathering, we would urge them to report it immediately. It could be that the vehicles are meeting to leave in a convoy to attend a rave.”

To raves do not take place again police are working closely with neighbouring forces and partner agencies including local authorities, the fire service and the Forestry Commission.

Community police officers are working in their areas speaking to landowners and communities, reminding them how they can assist.

Police want to know of any information that a rave is taking place and also want to hear about sightings of lorries or large numbers of vehicles gathering near woods or rural car parks.

They also want the public to call them if they see fliers advertising raves.