Illegal rave on farmland closed down

An illegal rave of 80 revellers on farmland was closed down following calls to police.

Officers from Thames Valley Police swooped to shut down the party, held on farmland in Buckland, Buckinghamshire.

A police helicopter sent up in the air quickly identified the location of the rave and officers moved in on the ground to break up the party.

See also: Farmer hit by rave tells of stress and damage

An investigation is under way to identify the organisers of the rave, which was broken up after 1am on following calls from members of the public just after 1am last Sunday (5 July).

Insp James Davies, from Buckinghamshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Specially trained officers from Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire attended a report of an illegal rave near to Buckland, Aylesbury Vale, on Sunday morning, following calls from the public.

“With the support of the National Police Air Service we quickly identified the location of the rave attended by around 80 people on farmland.

“Enquiries and evidence gathering took place at the scene. People there were given a direction to leave before we used police powers to remove equipment. They complied with this request. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the organisers and take action.”

Police describe illegal raves as unlicensed events which have the potential to cause damage to crops, livestock and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Organisers do not operate within the Licensing Act 2003 and so do not ensure the safety and wellbeing of those attending.

There is also concern about illegal drug use and the inhalation of legal highs such as nitrous oxide, known as “laughing gas”, at such events.

Anyone with information on the Buckland rave is asked to contact Wendover Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.