Seven people have been arrested in a series of London raids linked to 19 violent robberies reported at this year's Parklife Festival. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the incidents took place at Heaton Park in July.
Victims targeted in crowded areas
Victims reported being approached in crowded areas of the festival and asked to hand over valuable items, including mobile phones and jewellery. GMP said that in several incidents, those who resisted, or those who had friends that stepped in to help, were subjected to violence before their property was stolen.
Investigators believe members of the group would walk through the crowds and pass the stolen items back and forth, making it difficult to track where they had gone. CCTV footage allowed victims to identify one suspect.
Evidence reveals wider network
While being arrested on suspicion of robbery, investigators seized and examined his mobile phone. GMP said officers discovered evidence which indicated a wider criminal network had been in operation.
Further evidence and intelligence led to a joint operation between GMP and the Metropolitan Police, who executed warrants at 12 addresses across London on Wednesday morning (August 26). Seven people were arrested on suspicion of robbery and other related offences.
Possible links to Notting Hill Carnival
It is believed that some of the suspects arrested may have been linked to similar offending at events in London, including last year's Notting Hill Carnival. Enquiries remain ongoing, and the suspects have since been bailed pending further investigation.
Detective Inspector Natasha Feerick from GMP's City of Manchester Neighbourhood Crime Team, which led the investigation, said: "This has been a complex investigation requiring close collaboration between Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police Service. By combining resources, intelligence and expertise, we have been able to identify and target those suspected of being involved in a coordinated series of violent robberies.
"Those involved believed they could travel across the country, target innocent festival-goers and avoid detection. They were wrong. Our investigation has uncovered what we believe to be a wider criminal network responsible for causing significant harm to victims who were simply trying to enjoy themselves.
"We hope today's action reassures victims that we are committed to pursuing offenders wherever they operate. Our message is clear: if you commit these crimes, we will identify you, track you down and work tirelessly to bring you before the courts."
Commander Claire Smart, the Met's Gold Commander for Notting Hill Carnival, added: "These arrests come just days before Carnival where up to a million people will head to west London for what should be a fantastic celebration. They will be safer because of proactive policing interventions like the one we saw earlier today.
"This operation is one of many taking place in the weeks before the event to target the criminal minority who see Carnival as an opportunity to commit crime and target innocent revellers. I'm grateful to colleagues in GMP for their close collaboration."
