Message from Devon & Cornwall Police on illegal crime over Bank Holiday

As the August bank holiday weekend approaches the risk of trespass, unlawful encampments, wildfire and unlicensed music events (raves) increases. Although we have no specific information regarding these issues Devon and Cornwall police rural affairs team are asking landowners, rural businesses, and members of the public to be vigilant. 

The risk of wildfire is still present despite the recent wet weather and the use of BBQ’s and campfires should be avoided and are prohibited in many areas such as Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor. As well as being an offence, driving a vehicle off the road can cause long grass to ignite from a hot exhaust.

The recent unlicensed music event at Davidstow on Bodmin moor caused significant impacts on the environment, the livestock and to the community. 

A rave or unlicensed music event is a gathering where loud music is played over several hours or even days causing serious harm to the environment and disruption to communities and businesses.

What to look out for:

An unusual increase in road traffic Social media activity advertising the rave and its location Vehicles carrying sound equipment Anything unusual or out of place  Large gatherings of people in unusual areas late at night (e.g. farmland, open countryside or abandoned buildings)

What should I do:

If you are concerned that a rave is being planned for your local area you can call 101 to report it, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.  If you are concerned that organisers are already setting up equipment for a rave please call 999.

More information about unlicensed music events can be found by following this link. 

Raves (unlicensed music events or UMEs) | Devon and Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

More information about rural crime prevention can be found by following this link.

Rural crime | Devon and Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Thank you.