Police urged vigilance to prevent weekend raves

However they have asked landowners to continue to be vigilant over the coming weekend.
In April, a rave organiser was given an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) preventing him from organising raves in the Thames Valley Police area for the next three years.
He was ordered to pay £3,000 compensation, a £1,500 fine, £15 surcharge and £80 court costs.
At the same event, 130 people were issued with notices under section 59 of the Police Reform Act which warns that if they are caught being anti-social again, their vehicles will be seized.
Police adopted the zero tolerance policy in the wake of events in past years.
A typical scenario unfolded last July when hundreds of people descended on farm land at West Woodhay for a 24-hour illegal rave.
The event started on Saturday night but the last of the revellers did not leave until nearly 24 hours later.
The force struggled to contain a surge in the number of such events, particularly in the Hungerford and Lambourn Valley area.
Deputy Commander of West Berkshire Local Police, Chief Insp Lindsey Finch, said at the time: “Neighbourhood policing officers will be working with local land owners concerned to see what can be done to prevent this happening in the future. They are also identifying other sites that may be vulnerable to raves taking place and will work with those land owners.
“We recognise that the impact of this kind of illegal activity can be severe on local land owners.”
This week, Insp Emma Baillie said: “We are pleased that our swift response to raves is paying off. Our additional police resources are succeeding in preventing these events happening.
“However there is no room for complacency. This bank holiday weekend we need the eyes and ears of local rural communities to help us respond early to prevent unlicensed events being set-up at all.”
Landowners and farmers are asked to be vigilant by checking sensors, farm gates, entry points and outbuildings to consider how they can prevent unlawful entry onto their land. Rural communities are asked to be watchful of anyone acting suspiciously.
If you notice anyone acting suspiciously who may be conducting early reconnaissance on rural land or starting to set up an event, contact Thames Valley Police on 101 promptly with a description and location to help prevent a rave before it has started.
If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.