Norfolk Police issue bank holiday rave warning

Landowners and residents across Norfolk are being urged to be vigilant in order to help police stop illegal raves taking place in the county this weekend.

Police chiefs have also warned that they will prosecute the organisers of unlicensed music events (UMEs) and seize sound equipment as part of their continuing zero tolerance approach to the issue.

The warning has been issued following three similar events across Norfolk in the last few weeks.

Chief Superintendent Mike Fawcett, of Norfolk Police, said: “Historically we have seen illegal raves and UMEs being held over bank holiday weekends.

“Illegal rave organisers have little concern for the health, safety and welfare of those attending the event, for local residents who are adversely affected by the noise, rave-related anti-social behaviour and the impact on the environment, or for the landowner left with litter and damage.

“We will maintain a hard line against anyone organising such events and we will prosecute and seize the equipment and vehicles of those found to be involved in their organisation.

“We will also seek to prosecute anyone attending a rave who commits other offences, such as damage.”

He added: “Early intervention in preventing and disrupting such raves is key and in the past the vigilance and response from the public has been extremely useful.

“Reliable and timely information about where and when an event is being set up can allow us to identify the organisers and seize sound and other equipment before the rave begins.

“If we receive the information when the event is already underway, we may instead monitor it to ensure as far as possible the safety of those in attendance.

“Vehicles trying to get on or off site will be stopped and dealt with for any offences they might be committing.

“Where possible the organisers will be identified and dealt with at the end of the event, which will be closed as soon as it is safe to do so.”