Pembrokeshire County Council is asking farmers and local landowners to be on the alert for any signs that illegal raves are being planned for this Easter.
They are urged to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police.
The Council’s Head of Public Protection, Mark Elliott, said that while there was no specific evidence of any event being planned in Pembrokeshire over the Bank Holiday, mobile phones and text messaging made it easier for organisers to prepare.
“Even though Easter is early this year, there is still a need for vigilance and landowners are reminded to take simple precautions,” he said.
“Raves can cause considerable anxiety to the community and if they are not dealt with swiftly, they are difficult to stop or otherwise control, – often due to the sheer numbers of people involved and the safety aspects of breaking up such an event.
“There is also little doubt that events are well planned, organised and that local knowledge is important in attracting people to a particular field or area of land, which has been targeted as a suitable venue.”
The Council is asking people to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity such as an unusual numbers of vehicles – especially camper vans, vans or trucks – in an area or trespassers, who may be doing a ‘recce’ of sites in advance. It could even include people approaching landowners or asking about land in the guise of hiring for apparently acceptable activities.
If you see anything suspicious please contact without delay: – Dyfed Powys Police on (0845) 3302000. Ask to speak to Duty Sergeant or Duty Inspector at Haverfordwest Police Station.
Or contact Pembrokeshire County Council’s Out of Hours Service on 01437 775522.
