Residents are being asked to help stop illegal raves from taking place in Newham.

The joint appeal from Newham police and Newham council comes days after the Recorder revealed that eight people have received medical attention in the last fortnight after taking a form of crystallised MDMA at parties in empty buildings in the borough.

Residents are being asked to report suspicious activity such as advertising flyers, large vans or lorries being driven into factories, industrial units or warehouse spaces that have been empty for some time, groups of people gathering nearby or people forcing their way into premises.

Landlords are also encouraged to help prevent access to land or property by ensuring all boundary fencing, walls and gates are in good repair and fully secured.

Chief Inspector Guy Wade, of Newham Police, said: “Residents can play a key role in preventing such events and we ask them to assist us by reporting any suspicious activity around large disused buildings or where they suspect a rave is being organised.

“The sooner we have information, the more chance there is of preventing problems before they start. Public safety is our primary concern. Where we and the council can prevent, disrupt or stop an illegal rave taking place, we will do everything within our power to do so, providing it is in the best interests of all concerned and the circumstances that we are faced with.”

Councillor Unmesh Desai, executive member for crime and anti-social behaviour, said: “It is always easier for the police and the council to try to deal with illegal music events or raves at the earliest opportunity. They can be very difficult to stop once in full swing, so early notification of one taking place is critical.”

If you have any information that could assist the police in relation to unlicensed music events taking place call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To contact the council’s enforcement and safety team call 0208 430 2000 or visit www.newham.gov.uk