Police stop illegal rave in Berkhamsted

Officers seized kit before the party could get started.

Author: Dan GoodingPublished 14th Sep 2020
Last updated 14th Sep 2020

A rave has been stopped before it could even get started in Berkhamsted.

Police dispersed two unlicensed music events in Hertfordshire over the weekend - one in Potters Bar and the other in Berko.

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

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

Coronavirus: Rule of six exemptions

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know about new rules

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, police are asking you to let them know as soon as possible so that they 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, report it to Herts Police via their online webchat at herts.police.uk/contact.

Be aware of the signs to spot, and inform the police if you see the following:

o Cropped bolts on gates

o Flattened or disturbed hedgerows

o People in vehicles stopping to look into a field

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

o Posters or social media messages advertising a large gathering

o Vehicles entering fields or open spaces

o People unloading sound equipment