Fancy raving? Police are out to stop you

Unlicensed events cause upset and disruption

If you're heading to a rave this bank holiday weekend, police are out to thwart you.

Devon & Cornwall Police are trying to make potential locations unattractive to rave organisers (also called unlicensed music events or UMEs).

Uniformed and plain clothes officers are patrolling areas identified as possible venues.

They're working with farmers and landowners to secure sites and make them unsuitable for parties..

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).

“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.”