The Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board was scheduled to consider updates on ongoing projects and receive a specific update on issues in Southall. The board was also scheduled to hear from the police and hold a question and answer session.

Projects Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update on various projects. This included information regarding the future of Safer Neighbourhood Boards (SNBs) across London. It was noted that three dedicated police officers were to be employed by the Mayor's Office of Police and Crime (MOPAC) for two years to analyse SNBs. These officers had concluded that ward panels required more structure and were to issue a new handbook within the next 12 months. The reports indicated that SNBs would no longer fall under MOPAC but would be transferred to the remit of the Metropolitan Police Service (MET). The MET reportedly did not have the funds to continue providing financial support to SNBs for their projects and maintenance fees, although Ealing Council provided organisational and venue space at no cost. A proposed project by the Ealing SNB, involving 9 deliberators, 9 cabinets, and 18 bleed control packs at a cost of £22,572, was awaiting a response from MOPAC. Separately, a project operator, Debbie Allen, was scheduled to provide an update on her initiative, which was reportedly progressing well with increasing attendance and a focus on inclusivity, including producing documentation in multiple languages and a toddler reading project.

Southall Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the situation in Southall, specifically addressing a significant rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and drug dealing. Inspector Leigh Ballard of the Metropolitan Police Service (MET) was expected to provide an overview of his role in policing Southall. Reports indicated that since Inspector Ballard became dedicated to Southall approximately 18 months prior, there had been a significant increase in crime and ASB, particularly in the Southall Green area during late 2025. In response, neighbourhood policing teams were redeployed, and partnership working was strengthened with Ealing Council's Community Safety Team and Park Guard. While these joint efforts initially led to a reduction, a gradual increase in ASB had re-emerged from early 2026. The period between July 2025 and June 2026 saw an increase in reported ASB related to nuisance and environmental issues, such as fly-tipping and littering, but a decrease in personal ASB. While some ASB issues were handled by the council, the MET recorded all reports to contribute to a wider intelligence picture.

Superintendent Sean Lynch was scheduled to provide context on how policing resources are allocated across London, noting that Southall's crime trends were regularly reviewed. Chief Inspector Vicki Causbrook of the Territorial Support Group (TSG) was also scheduled to present on the TSG's presence in Southall. The TSG's purpose was to undertake proactive patrols, intelligence-led operations, public order policing, and enforcement activity. Following a successful bid from Ealing Borough, Southall was identified as a priority area. The TSG's deployment in Southall had reportedly resulted in numerous arrests, the recovery of weapons and drugs, and the seizure of uninsured vehicles. Local residents had provided positive feedback on the TSG's visible presence. Examples of recent enforcement activity were to be shared, including the recovery of large knives and arrests following observed drug deals. Officers had raised concerns about the scale of drug activity, suggesting a confident criminal market and significant local demand. Further operations, including open-space patrols and targeted warrants, were planned. Superintendent Lynch was also scheduled to explain how Neighbourhood Officers work alongside TSG deployments and how crime trends are monitored across the borough to prevent displacement.

Police Update and Q&A

A police update and question and answer session was scheduled. However, due to time constraints, this item was not covered in the previous meeting.

The next meeting of the Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board was scheduled to be held on 12 January 2026.