Police prepare for illegal rave events (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Police prepare for illegal rave events

POLICE say Wiltshire could be a target for illegal raves this summer. Officers fear illegal gatherings could be held in the run up to Live8 next month.

In an attempt to prevent any disorder, Wiltshire Constabulary has joined forces with four other forces in the South West - Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and Gloucestershire.

One airfield - Smeatharpe airfield in east Devon has already been turned into a no-go zone.

Water-filled blocks have been positioned to prevent access.

Inspector Norman Amey, of the Devon and Cornwall force, said raves are often held by music fans unable to get tickets for big festivals.

"In previous years, we have had problems with people who were unable to buy tickets for Glastonbury, trying to set up alternative sites in our force area," he said.

"The airfield at Smeatharpe has been targeted previously. We have the powers to stop these illegal gatherings and to seize equipment, and will do so if necessary."

Last month, fears about a mass illegal rave in the Savernake Forest proved unfounded.