[Image of recovered knife]
This week, police are executing over 200 search warrants across London to target and disrupt those intending to use the Notting Hill Carnival as a cover for committing crime or violence. So far, 55 people have been arrested as part of Operation Vitality; the intelligence-led operation designed to keep the 50th Notting Hill Carnival safe for both those attending and those taking part in the celebration.
As part of this operation, yesterday, officers in Lambeth executed 11 warrants, with five individuals arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs, and two for possession of Class B drugs. Approximately £2,000 in cash was also seized.
A raid in Barnet resulted in officers recovering a firearm, with four individuals being arrested. Another raid on the same borough saw two suspects arrested on suspicion of possession of ammunition and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.
Officers also seized two machetes from an address in Camden.
Operation Vitality runs in tandem with the Met's Trident Gang Crime Command which provides enhanced intelligence, enforcement and diversion activity for the most harmful gang members in London.
Superintendent Robyn Williams, the Met’s spokesperson for Notting Hill Carnival, said: "Well over one million people attend the Notting Hill Carnival every year; given these huge numbers, crime is low. What we want is for those one million people to enjoy the event without worrying about the crime and violence that has been caused by the small minority in the past.
"This week’s policing activities are not exclusive to Carnival. Pre-event arrest operations are conducted in relation to a variety of major public events across London throughout the year.
"With Carnival being the largest event in London, it can present opportunities for those who are attending for reasons other than enjoying the festivities. It is only right that we take steps to deter and reduce crime at every opportunity both prior to and during what has become the centre piece in the Capital’s event diary.
"If you're coming to this year's event we want you to have a safe and enjoyable time. Please look after your belongings, and in particular keep an eye on your mobile phone. Almost half of those people who were victims of pick pockets last year had a mobile phone taken.
"If you know of anyone who is planning to use this vibrant event as a cover for crime or violence then let us know and help us keep it safe for you. Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and tell us what you know."
In addition to today’s warrants, officers from across the capital are carrying out over 550 activities aimed at disrupting potential disorder including weapons sweeps, ANPR operations, visits to gang nominals, knife crime leaflet drops and youth engagement.
Officers are being supported by specialist police teams including Task Force, the Trident and Area Crime Command, Safer Neighbourhoods teams, Dog Units, Roads Policing; as well as colleagues from the City of London Police.
Chief Inspector Bill Duffy, from the City of London Police said: "We’re looking forward to the Carnival and we’re committed to working closely with our colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service and other partners to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone attending, as well as the local community who will be impacted throughout the weekend.
"This successful operation will go a long way to helping us achieve that aim of ensuring the Carnival is a great event for all."
Borough commander Tariq Sarwar, of Kensington and Chelsea, said: "Carnival is a fantastic event bringing many visitors to the borough from around the world to take part in the festivities. I appreciate that the celebrations together with the high volume of people passing through the area will have an impact on local businesses and residents.
“Today’s operation will ensure that some of those persons intent on causing harm and disruption to the Carnival will be prevented from doing so. This will help to ensure that those people who are there to enjoy themselves can do so and it will enable the area to be returned to normality at the earliest for the local businesses and resident.”
