150 attend illegal rave

ANOTHER illegal rave on an area of land near Sidbury has prompted police to issue a warning to landowners.

A member of the public rang Sidmouth Police at around 11.30pm on Saturday and reported loud music which had been playing since 9pm.

Officers attended at around 1.45am on Sunday and found approximately 40 cars and 150 people as well as open-air sound and light equipment.

Police conducted a number of stop searches and confiscated some cannabis from an 18-year-old man from the Taunton area.

It is thought that eight similar raves were held on or near this piece of land last year and the last illegal party reported to the police was shut down just days after Christmas.

Police say they are working closely with East Devon District Council's environmental health team and the Forestry Commission to stop these illegal parties but they are urging members of the public to help them.

This latest incident has prompted officers to warn landowners and the public to ring them early if they suspect a rave is going to take place, or if they notice a large amount of cars and activity in a certain area.

A police spokesman said: "As the weather becomes warmer it is likely that these sort of illegal gatherings will take place across the area. They are dangerous in that there is a lack of sanitation and can be a real hazard when it comes to fires.

"We would ask any landowners who thinks someone has visited their land with a view to having a rave to ring us as soon as possible and indeed if a rave has started to call the police early. The earlier the call the more able we are to prevent it from growing."

Any musical events and festivals must be licensed otherwise people taking part are classed as trespassers on the land.

If you suspect land is being prepared for a rave or have information about an illegal music event contact the police on 08452 777444.