Landowners warned to be vigilant

POLICE are appealing to local landowners in Suffolk to remain vigilant for any raves over the days preceding the bank holiday weekend.Extra care should be taken to ensure that property entrances are secured wherever this is possible and anyone who sees anything suspicious should immediately report it to police.

POLICE are appealing to local landowners in Suffolk to remain vigilant for any raves over the days preceding the bank holiday weekend.

Extra care should be taken to ensure that property entrances are secured wherever this is possible and anyone who sees anything suspicious should immediately report it to police.

Officers claim that illegal raves not only cause distress to local residents, whose lives are blighted by loud music over a long period of time and by large numbers of people making their way on and off a site, but they could also potentially put lives and property at risk.

Suffolk police will be working with colleagues in Norfolk and Essex and with partner agencies over the bank holiday weekend to try and prevent illegal raves in the region. Those who are responsible for organising theses events have been warned they would face a criminal conviction.

Chief inspector Michael Holdsworth from Suffolk's operational planning department said: “Early information from the public is critical if we are to prevent a rave from taking place. Our priority when dealing with raves is the health and safety of all those involved. If we can get onto the site early, seize equipment and prevent the rave from taking place, we will.”

They are urging anyone who may have seen anything connected to an illegal rave to contact police. Suspicious activity could include large convoys of cars grouping together in car parks or vans making their way onto rural sites.

Anyone with information should contact their local police force.