PEOPLE are being asked to be vigilant, with the Easter break approaching, to help crack down on illegal raves.

Residents can play a vital role in preventing raves by reporting suspicious activity - such as trespassers taking an interest in what could be a potential rave site, or invasions on to land by people with vans suitable for transporting sound equipment.

Essex Police are also urging landowners to remain be alert and immediately report anything that might lead them to suspect a rave is being organised on their land.

Extra care should be taken to ensure that gates and entrances on to land are secured, where possible. Any large gatherings of vehicles may indicate a designated meeting point.

Supt Jed Stopher, deputy divisional commander of Essex police's mobile support division, said: "I want to warn anyone who is considering organising a rave in Essex that I will do all within my power to ensure they face prosecution.

"We will also seek to prosecute anyone attending a rave who commits other offences, such as damage.

This is a public safety issue and it is important to remember that illegal events are not regulated in relation to health and safety, and that the environment is not necessarily a safe one."

Suspicious activity should be reportedby calling 999, if necessary, or 0300 333 4444.