Notting Hill Carnival

60/01
28 August 2001

Speaking after the 2001 Notting Hill Carnival, Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority said:

“There is no doubt that the overall success of this year’s Notting Hill Carnival and the much lower crime rate, compared to last year’s, owes much to the tireless efforts of all those involved with its organisation.

“In particular I pay tribute to the superb police operation over the weekend which meant that both Sunday and Monday passed relatively peacefully with few serious crimes being committed. However, it is unfortunate that the official closedown time of 7.00pm was flagrantly ignored making the police job more difficult and creating potential for further crime and disorder.

“It is impossible with so many people crowded into such a confined area for police to prevent every serious assault or crime, but the low crime rate indicates the decision to increase the numbers of police and stewards at Notting Hill Carnival was vindicated.

“If things have gone better this year it has been at a substantial cost. It is therefore important that the main recommendations of the Carnival Review Group concerning recruitment of stewards, numbers of floats and the route, are addressed forthwith in preparation for next year’s event.”

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