POLICE MAKE 290 ARREST AHEAD OF NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

LONDON – As part of the Met’s pan-London response to violence and knife crime, and in the run up to Notting Hill Carnival, officers across the Capital have been engaged in proactive operations since Friday, 11 August, targeting and disrupting gang crime, drug supply, knife crime and other offences that could impact on the safety of the weekend.

Prior this morning’s activity, officers have made over 290 arrests for a range of offences recovering 190 knives and 18 firearms. This activity will continue during the week, and will include weapon sweeps, stop and search, youth engagement and ANPR operations.

As part of this operation, at 04:00hrs this morning, Tuesday, 22 August, officers from Kensington and Chelsea and Lewisham Boroughs carried out two intelligence-led proactive operations.

In Kensington and Chelsea, officers executed 21 warrants and arrested a further 18 individuals across four London boroughs (Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Wandsworth).

Officers in Lewisham executed eight warrants and arrested eight individuals. They have also seized what is believed to be Class A and Class B drugs.

The borough officers were assisted by the Territorial Support Group, Safer Neighbourhoods teams and the Dog Unit, as well as colleagues from City of London Police and British Transport Police.

The arrests are predominantly for possession with intent to supply drugs.

Some of those arrested may be bailed pending further enquiries and will have bail conditions imposed on them, prohibiting them from attending Carnival. Highly-skilled officers known as ‘super recognisers’ will be at Carnival and in the CCTV control room over the weekend, looking for anyone banned from the event.

Chief Superintendent Robyn Williams, the Met’s spokesperson for Notting Hill Carnival, said: “Our officers have been proactive and focused on tackling serious violence and knife crime across London. Today’s operation is aimed at ensuring that those who intend to cause trouble at Carnival are prohibited from doing so. We are committed to ensuring that Carnival remains a safe, vibrant and enjoyable event; troublemakers are not welcome. We will be uncompromising in our operations to keep our communities safe and secure. People can expect to see operational activity right up until, and throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

“If you know anyone who is planning to use Notting Hill Carnival to commit crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to help us keep the event a safe celebration.

“We have been planning for Carnival for some time, and working closely with the organisers and our partners. Officers will be on duty throughout the weekend to keep people safe. We want you to enjoy the weekend, but if you are concerned or see anything suspicious report it to an officer.

“Basic advice to those coming is to look after your belongings, and in particular, keep an eye on your mobile phone.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden, said: “Notting Hill Carnival is world-renowned as a fantastic celebration of the capital’s community, diversity and vibrant history. It is vital we ensure it is as safe as possible for the many thousands who will attend this weekend. That is why we are sending a clear message to the small minority who may be planning to commit violence or other crimes that this will not be tolerated.

“The Met have already made hundreds of arrests and recovered significant numbers of weapons, helping to ensure that those looking to attend Carnival for the wrong reasons don’t get the chance. As we continue our work to tackle serious youth violence in London, these operations are crucial in helping to prevent any more tragic deaths on our streets, and making sure this year’s Carnival is better, and safer, than ever before.”

Superintendent Bill Duffy, from the City of London Police, said: “We’re keen to ensure a safe and enjoyable Notting Hill Carnival for everyone attending, as well as the local community, and we’re committed to working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to make this a reality.

“This successful and important operation will go a long way to helping us achieve that aim of ensuring the Carnival is a great event for all.”

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas, said: “We are looking forward to Notting Hill Carnival this weekend and our officers will be on hand to ensure everyone travelling to and from the event can do so safely.

“As part of the build-up to the carnival, we working with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service to prevent and disrupt any possible criminal activity.

“Our officers have been involved in the intelligence-led police activity today, which has seen a number of arrests made and weapons seized.

“The clampdown on people who are suspected to be in possession of weapons is part of our long-term commitment to tackling knife crime in London. We do this jointly with the Metropolitan Police Service and City of London Police under Operation Sceptre.

“During the Bank Holiday weekend we will have increased police activity on the railway network – if you need us whilst you are travelling, you can discretely text 61016. Always call 999 in an emergency.”