Residents and businesses in London's Notting Hill are boarding up properties as they prepare for the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a major cultural event that has drawn concerns over safety and potential crime. The Metropolitan Police will deploy 7,000 officers and staff, with an additional 3,000 stewards on duty to manage the expected two million attendees over the weekend.
These security measures come in response to a record number of arrests at last year's event and ongoing concerns about crime. Last year saw two stabbings, a figure that has caused apprehension given that the event in 2024 recorded two murders and eight stabbings. Properties, including businesses like a Tesco Express on Ladbroke Road, have been covered with temporary boards to prevent vandalism.
The increased number of stewards follows an additional £4.66 million grant announced by Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan in March, which transferred some crowd control responsibilities from Scotland Yard to event organizers. However, critics like Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group at the London Assembly, have expressed ongoing concerns. Hall called for the Mayor to address security risks more comprehensively, stating, 'People should be safe when attending events like Carnival, and I worry that they simply are not.'
The Metropolitan Police Federation has also raised concerns, with chair Paula Dodds warning that officers are 'already stretched beyond belief' and that their welfare must be a priority. The cost of last year's policing operation was approximately £15 million, a significant financial commitment amid budget challenges. The force is employing tactics such as live facial recognition, number plate checks, and increased uniformed patrols to identify wanted offenders and enhance security.
Additional security measures include weapon sweeps in known gang areas, the use of knife arches, and targeted checks on accommodation to combat issues like child exploitation and county lines. Organizers have also implemented enhanced safety measures for the carnival's 60th anniversary, including an upgraded control room and more CCTV cameras.
The police federation plans to monitor officer welfare closely, surveying officers about rest periods and access to essential resources during the event. Restrictions are also in place for individuals with high-risk bail conditions or prevention orders, particularly those with a history of domestic abuse or sex offenses.