More Than 100 Attend 'Meet the Met' on Acton Green Common
Officers hail community policing initiative as a success
Local police officers talk to the public on the common. Picture: Met Police
A new community policing initiative has received an enthusiastic response after more than 100 residents engaged with officers during the first Meet the Met event in Southfield on Sunday 13 September. The two-hour session, held on Acton Green Common between 3pm and 5pm, marked a shift towards more visible, accessible neighbourhood policing in busy public spaces.
The idea for the event came directly from members of the Southfield Ward Panel, who said they wanted to see their local policing team out in the community rather than relying on traditional “Cuppa with a Copper” sessions. In response, neighbourhood officers designed Meet the Met as a high-visibility engagement event, combining foot patrols with opportunities for residents to speak directly with officers.
Throughout the afternoon, residents discussed local issues, received crime-prevention advice, learned how to use the Met Engage platform, and collected personal alarms and anti-spiking kits. Officers reported more than 100 positive interactions, with many people taking the chance to raise concerns and receive reassurance from the team patrolling the area.
Police Sergeant Christopher Robinson, East Acton and Southfield Wards, said the strong turnout showed how much residents value direct contact with their neighbourhood officers. “The idea behind Meet the Met was simple: to take policing to where our communities are. We listened to feedback from residents who told us they wanted to see more of their local officers in the places they live, work and spend time. It was fantastic to speak with so many people, hear what matters most to them and provide practical crime prevention advice. The positive response shows there is a real appetite for visible neighbourhood policing and meaningful conversations with local officers.”
The next Meet the Met session will take place on Saturday 10 October at 3pm at Southfield Recreation Ground, giving more residents the chance to meet their local officers, raise issues and help shape policing priorities in the ward.
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