Familiar Face to Continue Policing Acton Streets
PC Dave Loveday's planned move falls through
PC Dave Loveday
November 10, 2026
Residents in Acton will continue to see a familiar face on local patrols after PC Dave Loveday confirmed that he will remain with the Acton Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team despite previously announcing his departure.
Earlier this year, PC Loveday revealed that he would be leaving his neighbourhood policing role to become a Tutor Constable, training new Metropolitan Police recruits. The move marked the end of several years serving the Acton community, during which he became a well-known figure through his work tackling anti-social behaviour, supporting vulnerable residents and providing regular updates through the Met Engage platform.
However, in an unexpected development, the planned transfer has been cancelled.
In a message to local residents, Loveday said: “Despite all my best efforts to leave, I have been told at the last minute I am staying where I am.”
While the change of plans may have come as a surprise, the officer said he is looking forward to re-engaging with the community and continuing his work in the town centre and South Acton.
“I am therefore keen to re-engage with you all and start using this system to keep you all up to date with our plans for Acton and the steps we are currently taking to make the best of what we have to work with here in Acton,” he said.
Loveday added that although he had hoped to move into a new position, “that new role has been closed down” and he is now positive about the opportunity to continue working alongside colleagues PC Naja and PC Cooper.
One of his immediate priorities is Woodlands Park, where he said increased patrols have already helped reduce daytime issues. During the period while awaiting his transfer, Loveday carried out extensive solo patrol work in and around the park and intends to expand that activity now that he is remaining in post.
He has also turned his attention to a group of drinkers and suspected drug dealers who have been gathering at the Crown Street entrance to the park.
“I have spoken to this group tonight and explained that I would like them to stop congregating there,” he said. “I do not want to see them there anymore and I shall be back out tomorrow to ensure this message was received and that they understand I mean what I say.”
The officer said further action is also being considered against individuals linked to what police describe as a local “problem group”, with potential developments expected under Operation Broad Oak.
Loveday reported that conditions in some parts of Acton have improved in recent months, highlighting the Morrisons car park and The Mount as locations where persistent issues have eased.
“I think things have improved,” he said. “The car park at Morrisons is dramatically better and even The Mount is better. We will continue to work to try and tackle issues as they arrive.”
His decision to remain in Acton is likely to be welcomed by many residents and businesses who have worked closely with him over the years. Having only recently been preparing to say goodbye, Loveday now finds himself back at the heart of neighbourhood policing in the area, with renewed plans to tackle anti-social behaviour, increase patrols and maintain direct communication with the local community.
Residents with concerns about issues in Acton Town Centre are being encouraged to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team, with Loveday promising he will “try my very best to come up with some kind of solution.”
Click here to sign up for Met Engage if you haven’t already done so.
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