The commissioner met with Dartmoor Park Authority, Forestry England and Devon and Cornwall Police rural crime team to discuss issues relating to recent anti-social behaviour and unauthorised encampments on Dartmoor.
As restrictions on people’s movement have eased, Dartmoor has experienced a significant increase in visitors to the area including a rise in the number of individuals camping overnight, many of whom were breaching National Park bylaws.
Beauty spot Bellever in particular has recently seen unsustainable levels of anti-social behaviour with littering, human waste and fires causing damage to habitats and animals.
To help assist with enforcement and to help keep the area safe, National Park Rangers will now be joined by National Park Marshals at Bellever thanks to funding from the Commissioner’s office.
The Police and Crime Commissioner said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Park Authority to help protect some of the region’s most important sites of natural beauty.
“I want everyone to enjoy the beautiful area of Dartmoor but also to behave responsibly, follow the Countryside Code and consider the impact of their behaviour on others and the environment around them.
“I would like to thank the local residents for alerting me to the issues at Bellever and pleased that we can help provide practical support to tackle this issue.”
Those wishing to camp on Dartmoor should visit Dartmoor Authority’s website for details on where you are allowed to camp overnight.