Police Constable Alex Norton has led a series of successful operations to target drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) outside Seven Kings train station in Ilford – resulting in a 50% reduction in ASB reports and an 82% increase in cannabis being seized.

Alex joined the Met last year to specialise in neighbourhood policing through Police Now’s National Graduate Programme, which encourages long-term problem solving and partnership working.

He has since taken a proactive approach to tackling the issues most affecting his local community.

Alex was initially tasked with patrolling the area around the station but soon decided to take a multi-pronged approach to better target the criminality – partnering with the force’s Dog Support Unit and enlisting the expertise of drugs detection dogs, Police Dog (PD) Saffy and PD Jensen.

He said: “Thanks to the success of the first operation, I thought about how we could further improve our approach in the area. We have since worked alongside British Transport Police and Transport for London to maximise the impact through partnership working, which has really helped us drive results.”

The operation has now run three times – with more planned.

So far, this has resulted in a 50% reduction in reported incidents of ASB around the station (March – July) and an 82% increase in cannabis being seized (April – July, compared with December 2024 – April).

Sergeant Beckett, Alex’s sergeant on the London Borough of Redbridge, said: “This operation has delivered real results, and that’s down to Alex’s drive and initiative. His work has significantly reduced anti-social behaviour in the area and strengthened our partnerships with other agencies. It’s a great example of neighbourhood policing at its best.”

In addition to this work, Alex has been involved in several other impactful arrests while on Police Now’s programme – including arresting a wanted burglar in West London and receiving a commendation only seven weeks into his job on the frontline for pursuing and detaining an individual in possession of an offensive weapon.

Alex said: “When I graduated from university, I knew I didn’t want a desk job – I wanted to be out in the community, and making a difference. I hadn’t considered policing until I saw Police Now’s programme, but it really appealed to me and I know it was the right choice. Neighbourhood policing gives me the freedom to act on the issues that matter most to the community. Support from my Police Now coach has encouraged me to reflect on my work and stay connected to the community I serve. There’s always more to be done to make people feel safe and reduce crime, and I am glad to be a part of that important work.”