POLICE in Suffolk have urged landowners and members of the public to be on the lookout for illegal raves taking place across the county over the Bank Holiday weekend.

POLICE in Suffolk have urged landowners and members of the public to be on the lookout for illegal raves taking place across the county over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Suffolk Constabulary has launched a crackdown and warned anybody planning such an event that sound equipment being used will be seized - hitting organisers in the pocket.

Residents have been asked to play a key role in preventing raves by reporting any suspicious activity that could indicate a rave is being prepared, such as trespassers taking an interest in what could be a potential rave site or invasions onto land by people with vans suitable for transporting large items of sound equipment.

Officers are also urging landowners to remain vigilant and immediately report any activity, which may lead them to suspect a rave is being organised on their land.

Chief Superintendent David McDonnell said illegal rave organisers had 'little concern' for the health, safety and welfare of those attending events or for people living nearby.

He said: 'I want to warn anyone who is considering organising a rave that they will face prosecution for holding such an event - we have successfully prosecuted people who have organised raves in Suffolk in the past. We will also seek to prosecute anyone attending a rave who commits other offences, such as damage.

'I would also like to take the opportunity to appeal for the public's help to tackle this issue. Early information from the public is critical if we are to prevent a rave from taking place.'

He said that with reliable and timely intelligence, potential raves could be interrupted and equipment seized before they got out of control.

He added: 'There are some cases where a rave is up and running with large crowds already present. In these instances it may be necessary to manage the event where it is, monitoring it closely to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of those attending.

'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.'

Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies are collaborating this weekend to prevent, detect and disrupt illegal raves in both counties.

Any suspicious activity which may be connected to an illegal rave should be reported to the police immediately, dialling 999 if necessary or 01473 613500.