Devon and Cornwall Police prepare for illegal raves over Christmas
The force says there is an increase in the possibility of unlicensed music events over the festive season
Last updated 20th Dec 2022
Devon and Cornwall Police are patrolling areas across the two counties which could be used for illegal raves over Christmas.
The force is working with both partners and local residents to make potential locations in the counties unattractive to organisers of raves (also called unlicensed music events or UMEs).
Christmas sees an increase in the possibility of a rave in Devon and Cornwall, with Boxing Day and New Year's Eve in particular being attractive dates.
Officers are also working with farmers and landowners to secure sites and make them unsuitable locations.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We know the misery raves can cause to nearby residents, with loud music keeping people awake for hours on end. It also has a significant impact on livestock and wildlife, and often participants leave the land badly damaged.
"We would like to encourage our local communities including farmers and landowners to take proactive pre-emptive measures to help target harden their land and open spaces and secure their property to make it an unattractive option for organisers.
"These measures can be as simple as ensuring padlocks on gateways are serviceable, broken fences or open gateways are closed and any buildings are properly secured."
Communities are being encouraged to report to police if they see any of the following signs in their local area:
- An unusual increase in road traffic in rural areas
- Social media activity advertising the rave and its location
- Vehicles carrying sound equipment
- Large gatherings of people in unusual areas late at night (e.g., farmland, open countryside or abandoned buildings).
The force continued: "If they see this, they should report it to us by telephoning 101 or if they see organisers setting up equipment call 999.
"People can also report, 100% anonymously, to the charity Crimestoppers either via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
"Our aim is to deter organisers of unlicensed music events from choosing locations within Devon and Cornwall due to the noise and disruption they cause to both people and wildlife in the area."