August 1 marked the start of Operation Razorback, a four week operation aimed at clamping down on troublemakers ahead of this year’s Notting Hill Carnival in west London.
The annual event runs over the August bank holiday weekend (27-29 August) and the Metropolitan Police reports that it has worked throughout the year to ensure to ensure that Carnival is a safe and enjoyable event.
Operation Razorback seeks to target known troublemakers and gangs across London who plan to use Carnival as a venue for violence and criminal activity.
By gathering intelligence in the run up to Carnival officers hope to deter those planning on causing trouble and disorder. Officers from the Met’s Territorial Support Group (TSG) will be executing search warrants across the capital to tackle such criminality.
Last year under operation Razorback, officers conducted 73 search warrants over the four weeks in the run up to carnival. This resulted in 101 arrests for a variety of offences including drug offences and possession of bladed articles.
Chief Inspector Chris Allmey said: "Operation Razorback is a highly sophisticated and detailed operation aimed at ensuring those who set out with the sole intention of causing trouble at carnival will not succeed.
"Four weeks of intense activity targeted at preventing troublemakers from getting anywhere near Carnival has been planned and we’re committed to making Notting Hill Carnival as safe as it can be, ensuring that the thousands of people who go along to Carnival each year to enjoy this unique and vibrant event.
"We’re asking anyone who may know someone intending to cause trouble to get in touch."
