Devon & Cornwall Police is working with partners and local residents to make potential locations in the counties unattractive to organisers of raves (also called unlicensed music events or UMEs).
Bank holiday weekends see an increase in the possibility of a rave in Devon and Cornwall, on bank holiday Monday, 28th August, in particular.
Uniformed and plain clothes officers are regularly patrolling areas which have been identified as possible targets of rave organisers. Officers are also working with farmers and landowners to secure sites and make them unsuitable locations.
As well as loud music keeping people awake for hours on end, it also has a significant impact on livestock and wildlife. Often, participants leave the land badly damaged.
The police are looking to encourage communities, including farmers and landowners, to take proactive and pre-emptive measures to help 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 can also help police by reporting any of the following signs in their local area:
- An unusual increase in road traffic in rural areas;
- Social media activity advertising a rave and its location;
- Vehicles carrying sound equipment; and
- Large gatherings of people in unusual areas late at night (eg farmland, open countryside, or abandoned buildings).
“If they see this, they should call us on 101 or, if they see organisers setting up equipment, 999,” said a police spokesperson.
“People can also anonymously report observations to Crimestoppers, either via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.”
