NORFOLK Constabulary has issued a stark warning to anyone planning to organise an illegal rave in the county.There is a zero tolerance approach to such events, which are unsafe and disruptive to our local communities.

NORFOLK Constabulary has issued a stark warning to anyone planning to organise an illegal rave in the county.

There is a zero tolerance approach to such events, which are unsafe and disruptive to our local communities.

Working particularly closely with colleagues in Suffolk they will share information and provide additional police units to specifically target rave-goers or anyone suspected of involvement in the organisation of a rave across the two counties.

Chief Superintendent Tony Cherington said: “I want to make it quite clear that we will use all necessary resources to prevent, disrupt and close down illegal raves in this county. We have issued this warning as we approach the New Year festivities.

“We will continue to take a hard line and seek to prosecute and seize and destroy the equipment of anyone found to be involved in their organisation. We will be putting on a significant police presence over the festive period to achieve our aims.”

Following the successful disruption of previous unlicensed music events, Norfolk Constabulary has again made arrangements with surrounding forces to share resources to disrupt or stop any such events.

Members of the public are also being urged to play their part and support police action by remaining vigilant over the coming days and by reporting any suspicious activity which may lead them to believe a rave is being organised.

Suspicious activity may include:

Trespassers on private land taking interest in a potential rave site.

A large gathering of vehicles in car parks or moving convoy of vehicles on roads.

Invasions onto land by people with vans which may be carrying sound equipment.

Police across the county have been working very closely with landowners, the Forestry Commission and Farmwatch to offer security advice and ensure they contact the police at the earliest opportunity with information.

Landowners are also being reminded to ensure the entrances to their property are secure and also to report any breaches suspected of being linked to a potential rave to police.

Mr Cherington added: “I'd like to remind people if they wish to set up a legal musical event for large numbers in Norfolk, they are welcome to get in touch with us and we will advise them on the measures that need to be taken.”

Anyone with information about an illegal rave or witness to suspicious activity on farmland or in buildings should contact Norfolk Constabulary immediately by calling 999 or 0845 456 4567.