Operation Broad Oak Enters its Third Month

Local police say there are signs of progress with incident levels down

A police officer on patrol on The Mount. Picture: Met Police

Operation Broad Oak has reached the end of its third full month, with police reporting steady progress in tackling anti-social behaviour across Acton and early signs that incident levels are beginning to fall. Acting Ward Sergeant George Zealey issued the latest update to residents, acknowledging the busy summer period and apologising for the lack of detailed communication in recent weeks.

Sgt. Zealey said July and August had been “particularly busy operational periods”, with officers supporting major policing operations across London, including the Southall Independence Day celebrations, the forthcoming Notting Hill Carnival, and concerts at Wembley Stadium. Despite this, the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team continued to deliver Broad Oak activity and share regular updates on arrests, warnings and enforcement work.

Operation Broad Oak remains firmly in the Clear phase, which focuses on identifying and tackling individuals responsible for persistent anti-social behaviour. Many of those targeted have been identified through reports and images submitted by residents. Officers are using the full range of ASB legislation, and enforcement action has been taken against several people who breached Community Protection Notices.

Over July and August, the team carried out 14 stop and searches for drug-related offences within Broad Oak’s tasking areas. These figures relate solely to the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team and do not include work by response officers or specialist units supporting the operation.

Police made five arrests, including two for drug possession, one for possession of a weapon, and two individuals wanted by the courts or recalled to prison. Officers also prepared 15 offences for breaches of Community Protection Notices, which are now progressing through the judicial system, and issued 10 additional Community Protection Warnings and Notices linked to the operation.

The update highlights the scale of the commitment required from local officers. Across July and August, more than 23 operational days were dedicated specifically to Operation Broad Oak, amounting to 67 individual officer shifts. This work has been delivered alongside wider responsibilities, including ASB investigations, welfare and mental-health interventions, prisoner processing, and other local policing priorities.

While enforcement continues, planning is underway for the future Build phase of Operation Broad Oak. This stage aims to help communities reclaim affected areas and introduce environmental improvements that make locations less attractive to those involved in anti-social behaviour.

In July, members of the Mount User Group, Action West London, Safer Neighbourhoods officers, the local Business Improvement District, and other stakeholders joined Ealing Council for a walkabout of The Mount to identify opportunities for improvement. Suggestions included enhanced lighting, improved CCTV coverage, tree and landscaping work, new street furniture, alley-gating and access control measures, and ideas for community events. The council is reviewing these proposals and will provide feedback in due course.

Similar assessments are planned for Woodlands Park and Heathfield Nature Reserve.

While Zealey emphasised that the operation is still in its early stages, recent figures suggest a downward trend in reported anti-social behaviour across Acton. In June 2026, police recorded 85 reports. In July, this fell to 74, a 12.9% decrease. Up to 22 August, there had been 27 reports, with projections indicating a potential 48.6% decrease for the month if current levels continue.

Sgt Zealey thanked residents for their continued engagement adding, “The information you provide plays a vital role in helping us identify offenders, target resources effectively, and improve the quality of life across our wards.”