Lincs: Farmers urged to be wary of possible illegal raves on their land as New Years Eve approaches

Lincolnshire farmers and landowners are being urged to remain vigilant to the possibility of any illegal raves being organised on their land ahead of New Year’s Eve.
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CLA East 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, 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 the 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.

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 and broken padlocks on access gates to areas where a rave may take place.

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.”

“In January last year we saw a spate of unlicensed music events in the county.”

“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.”

Lincs Police said: “We have no information at this stage to suggest that there are any illegal raves proposed to take place on New Year’s Eve.”

“However, in terms of planning, this is an operational policing matter and as with any other situation we wouldn’t comment on tactical plans were we to receive any information that would suggest the need for a police response.”

“If anybody is thinking of holding an illegal rave around this time of year we would like to warn them that the police response will be swift and will enforce legislation as appropriate.”

Last year Lincs Police turned away more than 400 revellers who were heading to an illegal rave in Sturton-by-Stow. Police prevented people from entering the event, due to be held in what they described as ‘dilapidated farm buildings’ on private land.

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