Advertisement

LA cops issue warning over Hollywood lockdown parties after incidents spike

The Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California  - Getty Images Fee
The Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California - Getty Images Fee

Los Angeles police have issued a warning to people in the Hollywood Hills to stop throwing house parties during the coronavirus lockdown after seeing a spike in complaints.

In a video posted by the city’s police department, residents were told that blasting loud music out or having “screaming voices in the backyard at 3am” could disturb neighbours.

People were warned that house owners, even if the properties were rented out, could be punished as a result of the parties and that up to six months in jail was possible.

The stark message came as examples of party-goers breaking social distancing rules across America emerged over Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood division tweeted on Tuesday that there had been an “increase in calls for loud house parties in the Hollywood Hills”.

Ralph Sanchez, the senior lead officer for the division, was among the officers giving warnings to camera in a video posted in the tweet.

“Due to covid today and all the clubs being closed we are having a challenging problem with party houses in the hills,” Mr Sanchez said.

“Please, don’t come up here to party. Come up here and enjoy Hollywood, but observe and obey the covid [safety regulations].”

Another officer, who was not identified, said that public intoxication and urination as a result of house parties can be an issue.

He also said that cars parked on narrow residential streets can be both a nuisance and a safety hazard for police vehicles responding to call-outs.

Ethan Weaver, Hollywood neighbourhood prosecutor, appeared at the end of the video with a stern warning to those considering throwing parties.

“If police are called to the location of a party there will be consequences,” he said, wearing a mask as he spoke.

“Those consequences can range from a citation up to criminal prosecution and six months in jail.

“Those consequences don’t just apply to the person throwing the party, but they can also apply to you the homeowner.

“If your house has been cited for party house violations in the past, you as a property owner can be held responsible even if you’re not present

“Los Angeles is a huge city but at the end of the day we all come home to our neighbourhoods. Let’s work together to keep our neighbourhoods safe and secure.”