Police officers and volunteers provided late-night support to hundreds of travellers at Ealing Broadway station during December as part of a “Safe Haven” initiative aimed at improving public safety over the festive period.
Operating on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights throughout last month month, as well as on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, the Safe Haven offered a visible police presence during late-night hours. The scheme was designed to give people travelling through Ealing a place to seek help, reassurance or practical support while heading home from bars, pubs and social events.
The stand provided free water, phone-charging facilities, crime prevention advice and information leaflets on domestic abuse. Officers were supported by more than 15 local volunteers coordinated by faith liaison officer Mo Dar, with additional visits from British Transport Police and Ealing Council’s park guard service.
According to police figures, officers engaged with more than 400 members of the public across December. Phones were charged for over 30 people, while around 200 bottles of water were distributed. Officers also dealt with a range of incidents, including assaults, anti-social behaviour and first-aid situations.
In one instance, officers responded to a report of a common assault on the Elizabeth Line. In others, they assisted individuals experiencing drunken or disruptive behaviour on trains and administered first aid to someone outside the station. Several women were helped to get home safely after officers charged their phones so they could book taxis, waiting with them until their transport arrived. Those assisted said the officers’ presence made them feel significantly less vulnerable.
Police said the initiative had been well received by the public and described it as a success. Following positive feedback, the Safe Haven will continue on selected Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year, with plans to expand the scheme to other train stations across Ealing borough.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, Bassam Mahfouz welcomed the police initiative and its weekend planned continuation: “The launch of the Safe Haven at Ealing Broadway station over the festive period has been a great success so far, and I’m pleased to see that over 400 people have already been assisted. It is even more encouraging to hear that the Safe Haven will now continue on selected Fridays and Saturdays for the foreseeable future, with plans to expand to other stations in the borough.”
Mr Mahfouz added: “Women deserve to feel safe when travelling at night, and while much more work must be done, this initiative is already making a real difference by providing immediate support. I’m encourage everyone to spread the word about it.”
