POLICE say they are working with residents and partners to try to make Teignbridge ‘unattractive’ to rave organisers.
A police spokesperson said: ‘Uniformed and plain clothes officers are regularly patrolling areas which have been identified as possible targets of rave organisers and officers are also working with farmers and landowners to secure sites and make them unsuitable locations.
‘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 pro active 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.
‘ommunities can also help us 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 (eg 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 the 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.’
More information can be found at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/support-and-guidance/your-community/raves-unlicensed-music-events-or-umes/