Farmers and landowners warned to be on the alert for New Year’s Eve raves

Farmers and landowners across the region are being warned to be alert to the possibility of unlicensed musical events being organised on their land ahead of New Year’s Eve.

The Country Land and Business Associatgion (CLA) is advising members to reduce the risk of “raves” occurring by ensuring that empty and remote buildings are secured and regularly monitored and that access to land is restricted wherever possible by the use of locked gates.

It also recommends its members to report any unusual activity around buildings or land to the Police, and to ensure that any employees are also aware of the need to be on the alert.

The CLA says that suspicious activity around open land or disused buildings could include sightings of vans or lorries and broken padlocks on gates, as well as more obvious signs such as fliers advertising an event and gatherings of large numbers of vehicles.

CLA eastern region 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.”