Cumbria police have received intelligence that more illegal raves could be taking place in the county over the weekend.
Officers are said to be closely monitoring the situation after shutting down three unlicensed music events in the county since July.
And ahead of the weekend, police have issued a warning to those organising or contemplating attending an unregulated event “to think about the potential dangers they are putting themselves and others in.”
The police are worried that those attending are at a real risk of danger, whether that be from injuries caused by fights or overcrowding, especially when emergency services are potentially a long distance away from the remote locations where raves are typically hosted.
Another concern is the possibility for drugs mixed with dangerous substances to be taken.
A reminder warning organisers that they could face a £10,000 fine for hosting a rave, or other illegal gatherings of more than 30 people, has also been issued.
Superintendent Carl Patrick said it was the police’s aim to engage with organisers at the earliest opportunity, to explain the consequences and prevent these events from happening.
“It is understandable that many people will want to go out and enjoy the good weather,” said Supt Patrick.
“Whilst we want people to have a good time, this needs to be done in a socially responsible way and in accordance with the law.
“The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in many public events being cancelled or postponed. When planning an event or gathering please consult the regulations, and seek advice from the relevant local authority to ensure what you are planning is lawful.
“To those organising these sorts of events, I strongly advise you seriously consider the risks you’re creating for everyone attending and the impact they can have on the wider community.
“There is a risk of prosecution for those organising these events and the police have powers to seize equipment.”
Anyone with information about a planned illegal rave or unlicensed music event, or about one which is currently taking place, should call 101 or 999 in an emergency.
