Police crackdown at Notting Hill Carnival
Thousands of extra police will be drafted in to tackle violent crimes at the Notting Hill Carnival and are to be given special stop-and-search powers to tackle knife and gun crime...
13 August 2009
A MASSIVE security operation will be in force at the Notting Hill Carnival to avoid a repeat of last year’s rioting.
Thousands of officers will be out on the streets of west London on 30 and 31 August to target troublemakers at Europe’s biggest street party.
Police from three forces will use knife wands, special stop-and-search powers and automatic number plate recognition to prevent violence.
Chief Superintendent Mick Johnson, in charge of the Territorial Support Group, said: "We're keenly aware that people are concerned about knifeand gun crime and that's why we're doing all we can to prevent it.
“Carnival is a fantastic, colourful event that unites the community in celebration - let's work together to make sure it remains that way."
Johnson said officers from Operation Razorback had already begun identifying criminals to stop them from attending the event.
Last year 50 officers were injured when troublemakers threw bottles and bricks at riot police.
Festival organisers have agreed to strict new measures this year to reduce noise and violence.
The festival will start an hour early at 9am and the last float will be judged at 6.30pm so the parade can finish by nightfall.
Music levels will be down to 135 decibels this year and councils have demanded fewer floats.
About 1.5m people are expected to attend the event.
Chris Boothman, lead director of the London Notting Hill Carnival board, said: "Carnival is a free, fun, family day out that brings hundreds of thousands of people of all communities together from across the capital and beyond. It is an artistic spectacle that can't be matched and the firm message from us and the police is that trouble makers are not welcome."
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