Three months have passed since the Acton Cluster Safer Neighbourhood Teams in Ealing Borough launched Operation Renounce, in response to concerns from local residents about the rising levels of youth violence and knife crime.

Since 25th April, using the knowledge and experience of local beat officers, and their strong community networks, Neighbourhood officers across Acton have coordinated at least 96 weapons sweeps of open spaces, in partnership with Ealing borough colleagues and the Local Authority’s ParkGuard service, finding in excess of 28 knives and weapons hidden but readily accessible in public places, as well as a large cache of ammunition.  These weapons would likely have been used in acts of violence.

Additionally, Dispersal Zone legislation has been employed flexibly, alongside unambiguous social media messaging to reinforce the approach. 

DWO’s embarked in an initiative, alongside young people and staff from a nearby youth club, local residents, and businesses, to clean up a poorly maintained basketball court area. 

Youth debates were held, and an interesting and informative discussion about knife crime was arranged with local radio WestsideFM.

Working with local campaigner and resident, Suzanne Tanswell, Neighbourhood officers have helped increase coverage of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme by recruiting an additional 38 coordinator volunteers - local residents who agree to motivate neighbours in their street through two-way communication with police.  One ward now has over 50% street coverage.

Working closely with the Borough’s Anti Social Behaviour Team and the Local Authority, several Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO’s) have also been obtained against some of Acton’s prolific youth offenders.

Colin Brent, Senior Youth Worker at Bollo Youth Centre in Acton, said: Since the start of Operation Renounce, we have seen a significant decrease in youth crime and anti-social bahaviour around South Acton. The efforts by the local police to reach out to young people, including debates in the youth centre and the joint painting and planting of a nearby area, have been a key part of this.

"We believe that this has gone some way to bring different parts of the local community together, with all of the positive effects that this entails.”

Suzanne Tanswell, local resident and Neighbourhood Watch campaigner, said: "The focus and importance of Operation Renounce provided great empowerment for Neighbourhood Watch within the Acton Cluster. Renewed engagement and partnerships with the local SNT teams has enthused communities to join efforts for improved safety and increased the public's willingness to report their observations."

Inspector Aaron Clarke, who is leading the operation, added: “Through a mixture of engagement and enforcement tactics, and a wider desire to involve our local communities, Operation Renounce is keeping residents of all ages safe. 

"At its heart are Neighbourhood officers, on the beat in their communities, listening and responding to concerns from local people.  We know we cannot be complacent and we intend to build upon these small gains in full collaboration with our residents.”