with a little help from our (new) friends

Neighbourhood officers have carried out a highly proactive and wide‑ranging period of policing in Acton Town Centre, with PC Dave Loveday supported by Street Duties PCs Flannighan, PC Dixon and PC Josling‑Preest delivering a visible and effective response to local crime and community concerns.

Early in the week, officers prepared interview plans and solicitor disclosure for prisoners arrested by the TSG in connection with possession with intent to supply drugs, ensuring strong case progression from the outset.

High‑visibility patrols across Acton played a key role, with officers conducting five stop-and-searches in areas linked to suspected drug activity. These searches led to the recovery of 11 wraps of crack cocaine, disrupting suspected dealing and providing reassurance to the public.

Officers also responded swiftly to reports of an assault on a Sainsbury’s security guard, pursuing two individuals on foot as part of immediate efforts to bring those responsible to account.

Alongside enforcement, safeguarding remained central to the team’s work. During patrols, officers located an individual believed to be missing and completed the necessary safeguarding referrals, after checking in with him. They also carried out a welfare check on an unconscious and unresponsive person affected by alcohol, ensuring the individual received appropriate care.

Operational work continued with the execution of a Mental Health Act warrant, demonstrating the team’s role in supporting vulnerable members of the community in partnership with other services. Officers also progressed a serious weapons investigation, completing a case file and submitting forensic evidence relating to three seized zombie knives.

In another incident, officers pursued and arrested an individual wanted for recall to prison. In a notable example of care extending beyond enforcement, officers took the individual’s dog at the station until it could be collected. This male had been dealing in the town centre for sometime.

Further activity saw an arrest for failing to appear in court in connection with interference with a conveyance. A custody search resulted in the discovery of an additional wrap of crack cocaine, leading to a further arrest for possession of a Class A drug.

And on our last trip out we attempted two arrest enquiries for outstanding suspects the second of which led to the arrest of a male for assault of 2 emergency workers.

The week’s activity highlights the breadth of modern neighbourhood policing—balancing proactive crime reduction, rapid response, detailed investigative work and safeguarding responsibilities. Through a strong and coordinated approach, officers in Acton Town Centre continue to target criminality while maintaining a visible and reassuring presence in the community.