Essex Police and its neighbouring forces are appealing to local landowners to remain vigilant over the Easter break and to immediately report any incursions onto property by people who may be intent on holding a rave. Extra care should be taken to ensure that property entrances are secured wherever this is possible.

Illegal raves not only cause distress to local residents, whose lives are disturbed 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 also could potentially put lives and property at risk.

The organisers of these events have not made the necessary arrangements to ensure the health, safety and security of the attendees. There is usually a lack of proper sanitary provisions and nothing put in place to deal with the risk of fire.

Police in Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk will be working together over the Easter period to try and prevent illegal raves in the region. The forces will be sharing information about offenders known to be responsible for organising these illegal events and will be working with partner agencies to proactively target them. Offenders will be dealt with robustly. Anyone considering holding a rave must be aware that the risk of a criminal conviction is real.

Commenting on the issue of illegal raves 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 a site early, seize equipment and prevent the rave from taking place, we will!”

“However in some cases where a rave is up and running with large crowds of people already present it is sometimes necessary to manage the event where it is, monitoring it closely to ensure as far as possible the safety of the attendees. Vehicles trying to get on or off the site will be stopped and drivers details taken. Where possible the organisers will be identified and dealt with at the end of the event which will be closed down as soon as it is safe to do so.

“I would urge anyone who sees anything that they think may be connected with an illegal rave to contact police immediately dialling 999 if necessary. Suspicious activity could include large convoys of cars grouping together in car parks or vans and trucks suitable for transporting sound equipment making their way onto rural sites.”

Anyone who has information about an illegal rave should contact their local police.
April 4, 2007

Officers in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire are working together to gather information about plans for unlicensed music events.

Landowners are urged to be vigilant and to ensure their land is as secure as possible and access gates are locked.

Suspicious activity such as large convoys of cars grouping together in car parks should be reported to police.

Ch Insp Michael Holdsworth of Suffolk Police 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.”

Mr Holdsworth added: “If we can get onto a site early, seize equipment and prevent the rave from taking place, we will.”