Herts Police have seen an increase in illegal unlicensed music events and house parties in recent weeks.
They are asking local communities to be alert to the signs of large and unlicensed gatherings, such as illegal raves.
With restrictions easing and life returning to a new kind of normal, people are starting to forget that social distancing is still in place and have let down their guard.
Large gatherings are still not permitted and people breaching regulations will be fined, this is to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Chief Inspector Chris Treadwell, who leads Hertfordshire’s Crime Reduction and Community Safety team, said: “Please remember that unlicensed music events are illegal, and that there are numerous risks in attending – not least the very real threat of coronavirus, which we should still all be taking measures to protect ourselves from where possible.
“As they are unlicensed, these events are carried out in unsuitable venues, with zero security measures in place and no risk assessments to determine the safety of the venue. This, of course, creates the perfect environment for violence, posing a very serious risk to all in attendance – as demonstrated recently at an illegal rave in Borehamwood, where two people sustained nasty knife wounds.
“We wish to send out a clear message, these illegal and unlicensed events will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire, and we will take all measures possible to both shut down and prevent any similar events from happening.
“Those who organise these unlawful events will face the full force of the law in the form of arrest and prosecution. Those who choose to attend these events will also face enforcement action and could receive a criminal record.”
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