Met officers have closed down three unlicensed music events (UMEs) within the last week to disrupt anti-social behaviour in local communities.
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.
Officers were later made aware of a UME in Newham in the early hours of Sunday, 29 October. Upon arrival, they found a crowd of around 200 people at a disused office block and began dispersing from the area.
A large amount of sound system equipment – including 10 large speakers – was seized from the event.
A few days earlier on Monday, 23 October, officers in Haringey attended an industrial unit having established that a UME was taking place. Around 50 people were present, with many still arriving outside, but left quickly of their own accord.
Officers seized a large amount of sound systems and speakers and gave advice to the event organisers.
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 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.”
