The CLA is urging those in the countryside to remain vigilant to the possibility of unlicensed musical events (raves) on New Year’s Eve.

To reduce the risk of any illegal activity occurring, the CLA which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses is advising that empty and remote buildings are secure and regularly monitored and that access to land is restricted wherever possible by locked gates.

Suspicious activity around open land or disused buildings should be reported to the police. This includes: any information that an illegal rave is taking place; any sightings of vans, lorries or large numbers of vehicles gathering near woods, rural car parks or near to disused buildings/warehouse; sightings of fliers advertising raves, and broken padlocks on access gates to areas where a rave may take place.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “Illegal raves cause a great deal of disruption to local communities, with the resulting mess causing considerable harm to both wildlife and the environment.

“These illegal gatherings can also create unnecessary problems for landowners, who could fall victim to considerable clean-up costs and expensive repairs to outbuildings.

“We urge those who live and work in the countryside to help the police by reporting any suspicious activity, as early intervention and good local intelligence can prevent these raves from taking place.

“Officers find it much harder to shut down a rave once it has already started so if you spot anyone suspicious on rural land or a number of unfamiliar vehicles in your area, please report it on the non-emergency number of 101 as soon as possible.”