December 15, 2014 11.12 am This story is over 111 months old

Lincolnshire landowners warned of New Year illegal raves threat

Rave prevention advice: Lincolnshire farmers and landowners are being warned of potential illegal raves among New Year celebrations.

An illegal rave party in south Lincolnshire in June 2013.

Membership organisation CLA East is urging Lincolnshire farmers and landowners to remain vigilant to the threat of illegal raves during seasonal celebrations.

It is advising its members to reduce the risk of any illegal activity occurring in empty and remote buildings by ensuring they are secure and regularly monitored.

It also advises that access to land is restricted wherever possible by the use of locked gates; that any unusual activity around buildings or land is reported to Lincolnshire Police; and to ensure any employees are made aware of the need to report any unusual activity.

Suspicious activity around open land or disused buildings should be reported to the police on 101. This includes:

  • Any information that an illegal rave is taking place
  • Any sightings of vans, lorries or large numbers of vehicles gathering near woods, rural car parks or near to disused buildings/warehouse
  • Sightings of fliers advertising raves
  • Broken padlocks on access gates to areas where a rave may take place

The organisation says it saw a spate of unlicensed music events in January last year. One held at Dunsby, near Bourne, saw 300 people attending and eight people were charged with causing a public nuisance.

There were also three raves discovered in Martin, Blankney and Dowsby.

During the festive period in 2013 Lincolnshire Police prevented some 400 people from attending an illegal rave near Sturton by Stow outside Lincoln.

CLA Eastern Regional Director Nicola Currie said: “Illegal raves cause a great deal of disruption to local communities, with the resulting mess causing considerable harm to both wildlife and the environment.

“These illegal gatherings can also create unnecessary problems for landowners, who could fall victim to considerable clean-up costs and expensive repairs to outbuildings.

“We urge farmers and landowners to help the Police by reporting any suspicious activity, as early intervention and good local intelligence can prevent these illegal events from taking place.

“Officers find it much harder to shut down a rave once it has already started so if you spot anyone suspicious on rural land or a number of unfamiliar vehicles in your area, then please report any such activity on the non-emergency number of 101 as soon as possible.”