Police in Pinner have stopped an unlicensed music event happening in Pinner Memorial Park this evening (22 August).
Met Police policy on such events (raves) is as follows: “The MPS is committed to making London the safest major city in the world. The MPS, together with its partners, will seek to prevent Unlicensed Music Events (UME) from taking place so to improve public safety, preserve order and prevent the commission of offences. Our response to these events is critical to maintaining the confidence of Londoners.”
Pinner South SNT tweeted: “The team have just dispersed a large group of teenagers en route to an unlicensed music event (UME) in #Pinner Memorial Park.
“Officers will be in the area for the rest of the night.
“If you hear / see any groups gathered, especially in open spaces, please contact the 101 number.”
Since the easing of lockdown, police across the country have had to respond to increased reports of gatherings and unlicensed music events, many of which have been in the London area. While in the majority of cases, officers have been able to disperse these gatherings with no further action necessary, some have become violent.
NPCC lead for unlicensed music events, Commander Ade Adelekan, said: “Unlicensed music events are unlawful and unregulated. These events are hosted without regard for the safety of those attending, and police have observed cases of anti-social behaviour, sales of drugs and gang activity. We ask anyone thinking of attending a block party or a rave to avoid doing so.
“It is vital that forces obtain information about any illegal events at the earliest opportunity. As organisers are able to spread the word about these events quickly online, timely information about suspicious activity or plans enables forces to plan ahead and take effective action against them.
“To the organisers of this sort of activity, I strongly advise that you seriously consider the risks you’re creating for everyone in attendance and the wider community. There is a risk of prosecution for those who organise these events and equipment will be seized.”
(Image Credit: Google)
