Bank holiday police patrols to help prevent and ward off 'illegal raves' in Cornwall
Devon & Cornwall Police want to make potential locations "unattractive"
Last updated 24th Aug 2022
Police are carrying out regular patrols to help prevent potential illegal raves in Cornwall and Devon.
Uniform and plain clothes officers are keeping a close eye on locations identified as possible targets, ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
Devon & Cornwall Police say they want to make sites "unattractive" to organisers of events.
They are working with farmers and landowners to secure sites and make them unsuitable.
It follows a mass event on Davidstow Moor in June, where residents reported loud music and traffic chaos.
Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith explains: "We know the misery raves can cause to nearby residents, with loud music keeping people aware for hours on end.
"It also has a significant impact on livestock and wildlife, and often participants leave the land badly damaged.
"We are working with local partners to advise farmers and landowners on how to secure their property to make it an unattractive option for organisers.
“We keep a close eye on reports of planned events and our response will be robust to stop any event before it starts.
"Members of public can help us with this by being our eyes and ears and reporting to us 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).
Supt Drummond-Smith added: "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".