TIM DREW: Help police stop illegal raves before they begin

With summer almost here, the attraction of illegal outdoor raves in rural areas increases and Sussex Police are asking people to watch out so that such events can swiftly be nipped in the bud.
Tim DrewTim Drew
Tim Drew

Once a rave becomes established, it is very difficult to close it down safely, especially during the hours of darkness.

Early warnings of events, either from people living close by or from information gleaned from social media, enable police to attend and prevent people from accessing the site.

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While some may see raves as harmless, they cause distress and inconvenience to people living locally, and often involve extensive criminal damage to crops and property. Also, as they are unlicensed and unmonitored, they are potentially dangerous places to be for those taking part.

Sussex Police ask that access points to land be regularly checked and made secure, and that the breakage or removal of locks be reported immediately, as should any vehicles driving off-road – particularly larger vans and groups of vehicles in rural areas – and loud music heard in remote locations.

Sussex Police also report a recent spike in the number of cars stolen from driveways and outside houses. Their advice is always to shut windows and lock doors even if you are only leaving your car for a couple of minutes – if left insecure, it only takes ten seconds for your valuables to be stolen.

At the Central Ward Neighbourhood Panel Meeting on Thursday, May 26, a number of complaints were raised over the 101 non-emergency telephone number, and this will be taken up at the next Sussex NHW Federation meeting on Wednesday, June 8.

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In addition, and in response to a letter sent by the panel, PCC Katy Bourne has agreed to visit Worthing on June 30, when it is hoped that she will get the opportunity to see for herself some of the anti-social behaviour which has been widely observed within the town centre.

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