POLICE today urged the public to help them crack down on illegal raves in the county by being on high alert for the gatherings over the Easter weekend.
POLICE today urged the public to help them crack down on illegal raves in the county by being on high alert for the gatherings over the Easter weekend.
Suffolk Police said it was preparing to step-up patrol of potential rave locations over the long weekend and threatened to use powers available to it to close down raves and seize sound equipment.
The force said it had thwarted a number of raves already this year and seized sound equipment from organisers.
Last August bank holiday villages near Woodbridge endured three days of loud noise and disturbance because of the event, staged in a field at Ramsholt.
More than 500 people congregated at the rave, dancing to music on huge sound systems throughout the night.
Extra measures are being put in place, along with the additional patrols, to ensure officers can respond quickly when it becomes apparent a rave is planned.
Superintendent Mike Shields said the public could play a crucial role in helping to prevent raves going ahead.
He said: “When we have received intelligence or been given an early indication by the public we have been successful in using legislation to close down illegal raves and prevent unnecessary disruption to the local community.
“Raves can be very difficult to stop when in full swing so this early notification is critical in helping us police these events.”
Police today also advised landowners to be vigilant in making sure their properties were secured.
Mr Shields said: “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 ready to leave in convoy to attend a rave.”
The appeal also came with a warning to the rave organisers that police would not hesitate in using powers to seize lighting or sound equipment used at illegal raves and urged stores which rent out the equipment to do their best to ensure clients have a legitimate use for the equipment.
Anyone who has information about an illegal rave should call Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.
Weblink: www.suffolk.police.uk
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