Police alert after tip-off about rave planned for Northamptonshire tonight

Police are on high alert following tip-offs about an illegal rave planned for Northamptonshire tonight.

Chief Inspector Tom Thompson warned locals to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity in the county — and told parents to remind their kids of the potential risks of attending such events.

Mr Thompson said: “We have been made aware that an unlicensed music event maybe taking place somewhere in the county on Saturday night.

“I would ask parents to make sure they know where their kids are this weekend.

"If they think they might be tempted by an illegal rave, please support us and remind them they could get caught up in anti-social behaviour and disorder, not to mention the ongoing Covid-19 risks. However tempting it might be after weeks of restrictions, stay at home and stay safe."

"Illegal music events such as these create massive disruption to the local area.

"Organisers of raves often look to more rural areas for a suitable open space for the event but they can take place in urban areas too. We’re urging Northants residents to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary this weekend and if you hear of an illegal rave being planned, please call Northamptonshire Police on 101."

Rave organisers often look to our more rural areas for a suitable open space for the event but they can take place in urban areas too, such as a derelict warehouse or park area.

Two men were arrested today (Saturday) by Staffordshire Police in connection with a planned illegal rave in the Midlands and extra officers are on duty in London after concerns about events planned in the capital.

Mr Thompson added: “As well as the potential health risk and being hugely disruptive to the local community in terms of noise and nuisance, these events are illegal.

“We are working closely with our local communities and have spoken with a number of community representatives who have offered their support in sharing our messages and appeals, to help us get as much information as we can and encourage young people to stay away from illegal raves.

“As such, I’m appealing to local residents, wherever you live, to keep an eye out for anything unusual. It might be an increase in traffic or more people in the area than normal, posters advertising a music event, people acting suspiciously or just any activity in the community that seems out of the ordinary."