Unlicensed music event shut down by police in Berkhamsted

Officers were called to reports of people gathering at around 10.30pm in Fieldway and Upper Hall Park, in Berkhamsted.

The event was dispersed before it began and equipment (pictured) was seized.

Officers also attended Northaw Road West in Potters Bar at 10.35pm to reports of a number of vehicles turning up at the location.

Chief Inspector Roy Stammers said: “In both instances we were able to respond quickly to allow us to effectively disperse those who had gathered and our investigations into the organisation of each event is ongoing.

“Not only are unlicensed raves illegal but in the current circumstances, they clearly breach the Government measures stating there must be no large gatherings in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“I would like to thank those people who called us with information.”

If you have information about a planned unlicensed event please let us know as soon as possible so that we can take the appropriate action.

There are several indicators which may suggest that an unlicensed event such as a rave is being planned in your area – if you notice any of these, even if they may seem minor or insignificant, you can report it to police via the online webchat.

Police are asking the public to be aware of the signs to spot, and inform the police if you see the following:

- Cropped bolts on gates

- Flattened or disturbed hedgerows

- People in vehicles stopping to look into a field

- People climbing over a fence or gate to look into a field

- Posters or social media messages advertising a large gathering

- Vehicles entering fields or open spaces

- People unloading sound equipment

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, or call 101.