Illegal rave warning for landowners and farmers
Farmers and landowners are being urged to be vigilant over trespassers with fears that illegal raves and other gatherings could take place.
Dyfed-Powys Police is asking farmers and local landowners to be on the alert over the next few months.
Officers say people should look out for warning signs of any illegal gatherings planned for their land over the summer and have asked members of their communities to also contact them if they noticed anything suspicious.
Social media has helped fuel the number of illegal gatherings that take place, often in the countryside.
This week police said that gatherings – such as illegal raves – can cause considerable anxiety to the community.
They warned that, if they are not dealt with swiftly, they are difficult to stop or otherwise control, due often to the sheer numbers of persons involved and the safety aspects surrounding breaking up such an event.
Superintendent Robyn Mason said: “There is little doubt that these type of events are very well planned, organised and that local knowledge is important in drawing down the main group to a particular ‘vulnerable’ field, or area of land which has been targeted previously as a suitable venue."
He said farmers, landowners and local communities were being encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police.
"This may be an unusual numbers of vehicles, especially camper vans, vans or trucks in the locality, illegal trespassers who may be doing ‘recce’ of sites in advance of the event," he said.
“I can assure local communities that police will take the appropriate action to deter illegal gatherings and deal robustly with any criminal offences discovered or disclosed.”
Superintendent Mason said those trying to organise such illegal gatherings said members of the public were urged to be vigilant of persons who approach landowners or enquiring for land.
"People might ask landowners about the availability of sites, in the guise of hiring for apparently acceptable activities such as gymkhanas and scouts/guides events," he said.
Anyone who is concerned or who sees any suspicious activity is asked to contact Dyfed Powys Police on 101.