Operation Renounce has led to the recovery of 28 weapons

One of the weapons recovered during Operation Renounce

A three month operation aiming to tackle knife crime in the Acton area has ended with local police claiming it has been a significant success.

They say that Operation Renounce has reduced crime, taken a large quantity of weapons off the streets, and helped foster a strong and growing community spirit.

Acton Safer Neighbourhood Teams in Ealing Borough launched the operation three months ago in response to concerns from local residents about the rising levels of youth violence and knife crime. Two young men have been killed with knives in the Acton area so far this year.

Since Tuesday, 25 April, using the knowledge and experience of local beat officers and their strong community networks, Neighbourhood officers across Acton have coordinated over 90 weapon sweeps of open spaces.

This work was carried out in partnership with Ealing borough colleagues and the Local Authority's ParkGuard service and has led to the finding and recovery of at least 28 knives and weapons. These dangerous weapons were intentionally hidden but readily accessible in public places by those who intend to use them in crime or acts of violence. A large cache of ammunition was also found and seized during these searches.

Additionally, Dispersal Zone legislation has been flexibly deployed after listening to the concerns of residents. Social media messaging has helped reinforce both the message and approach.

Dedicated Ward Officer's also embarked on 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.

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.

Inspector Aaron Clarke, who is leading the operation, said: "Through a mixture of engagement and enforcement tactics, and a wider desire to involve our local communities, Operation Renounce is contributing to 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. "

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 behaviour 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."

July 31, 2017