'Rave-watch' launched in Steyning

RAVES and illegal parties near Steyning could become a thing of the past '“ with your help.

Downland near the town has long been popular with organisers of such events, with people living nearby tormented by thudding music and facing sleepless nights.

Raves are notoriously difficult for police to stop once they are in full swing. Steyning's new police neighbourhood specialist team sergeant Darren Lillywhite urged people to help officers put a stop to illegal events before they even start.

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"The local residents are our eyes and ears," he said. "They need to call the police if there is any activity that appears suspicious or that they are concerned about."

Last May, police halted a rave on downland south of Steyning which could have attracted up to 4,000 revellers.

Equipment organisers planned to use would have blasted music at a volume equivalent to 25 jet engines, causing misery for people living nearby.

Another illegal party was stopped in August, after a quick-thinking woman called police after seeing lorries driving along narrow Mouse Lane, in Steyning, which she recognised as the sort of traffic which is normally an indication of a rave about to go ahead.

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Other signs that a rave could be being organised include people moving large electrical equipment through fields and large numbers of people heading towards the Downs.

Sgt Lillywhite called for people to report any gossip they hear about illegal parties being planned, adding landowners could also help police.

"If you are a landowner with vulnerable sites, make sure you have done something to prevent access to the land. We can help the local residents have a quiet summer," he said.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious should contact police at Steyning, on 0845 6070999, or by calling into the police station, in Charlton Street, Steyning.