Illegal rave at Lasham (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Illegal rave at Lasham
2:31pm Monday 20th August 2012 in News By Chris Gregory
OFFICERS broke up an illegal rave that took place at the weekend in woodland near Lasham.
Around 200 people came to the site between Lasham and Herriard on the evening of Saturday, August 18.
More than 50 officers attended at 11pm after complaints by neighbours. They used powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to seize generators that were powering sound equipment. No arrests were made.
Chief Inspector Steve Wallace, district commander for Basingstoke and Deane, said some of the revellers came to the site from as far away as Lincoln.
He said: “Our priorities were to minimise disruption to the residents and to ensure the safety of all those involved. We are now actively investigating this incident with the aim to prosecute the organisers.”
Ch Insp Wallace added that organisers of events where entertainment is provided need a premises licence and those carrying out unlicensed raves can face imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to £20,000.
Anyone with information can contact Basingstoke police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
