Met officers have closed down an unlicensed music event in Harrow this past weekend with hundreds of people dispersed.
On Saturday, 28 October, officers in Harrow received complaints about large groups of young people in the area, with more travelling to Harrow by public transport.
Local officers attended and found around 150 people at a large vacant industrial unit.
They dispersed the crowds and seized large sound systems and nitrous oxide canisters.
Several hundred more people were spoken to and were turned away from the event by officers.
Following the Harrow event, Police responded to another unlicensed music event in Newham where approximately 200 people gathered at a disused office block on October 29.
The officers dispersed the crowd and confiscated sound system equipment, including 10 large speakers.
Another event in Haringey on October 23 saw around 50 people at an industrial unit. Police seized sound systems, speakers, and provided advice to the event organisers, who left voluntarily.
Superintendent Jack May-Robinson, responsible for policing London across Halloween and Bonfire Night, said: “Ahead of the Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations, officers will continue to follow intelligence and lead proactive action against those that we believe to be hosting UMEs (unlicensed music events) and causing anti-social behaviour.
“These events are illegal, cause huge disruption to local residents and can be dangerous environments for those attending as they are unlicensed.
“I urge anyone with any concerns to contact police so that we can interrupt these UMEs before they escalate.”
