Residents back police action following Bavigne rave, but concerns persist

Although locals have shown understanding for the measured police response to the illegal rave at Bauschelter Bierg, near Bavigne, over the weekend, they hope that this will remain a non-recurring phenomenon. An estimated 300 people, mostly from Belgium and the Netherlands, had set up a make-shift party that kept the surrounding area up all night thanks to the pumping sound of relentless electronic beats.

Police had to take their time disbanding the rave due to the limited number of officers at the scene that night. Out of precaution, they waited before intervening until the following morning, and the party was finally brought to an end on Sunday afternoon.

Marco Koeune, Mayor of the municipality of Lac de la Haute-Sûre, used the opportunity of the spotlight to voice concern over the comparatively low police presence in the area around the lake. Citing numerous occasions where visitors misbehave, particularly in summer. He explained that it is difficult to keep an overview of what is happening in the area: "Villagers did not even notice how all that equipment was brought into the forest, which is somewhat surprising and shows how well-organised the event was."

On the following day, only few traces of the event remained. Nevertheless, since the area in question is classified as a water protection zone, Mayor Koeune insists that officials need to rigorously monitor the surroundings to ensure that parties like this one do not happen on a regular basis. "One shouldn't underestimate the dangers", agreed Jeff Gangeler, president of the Upper Sûre Natural Park, in conversation with RTL.

An official complaint has been filed by the municipality, which local authorities hope will discourage any future illegal events. The farmer owning the land used for the rave is also expected to file a complaint, although he has explained that he will only do so since he was not asked for permission, not because any damages occurred.