When you think of a council noise officer, you probably don’t picture someone who used to crank amps at Wembley or chat backstage with musician and Hollywood actor Jack Black.
But that’s exactly who you’ll find behind the scenes at Ealing Council’s noise complaints team – Mateusz Kruk, a former metalhead who swapped mosh pits for mediation.
“I used to work as a sound engineer – big shows at Wembley Arena. I played in a metal band too. In the past, I was the one making the noise,” Mateusz said.
Since 2023, he’s been part of a 4-person team tackling everything from loud parties to neighbourly disputes. They’re not out to ruin anyone’s fun, but they are here to keep the peace.
Between April? 2024 and April? 2025, the team investigated 2,773 cases and received 12,536 calls reporting nuisance issues across the borough.
Mateusz and his team work Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Out-of-hours complaints go to a separate team. But, during the day, they’re the ones fielding calls from frustrated neighbours, conducting sound inspections, and, if all else fails, seizing sound systems.
“It’s a last resort,” he explains. “But sometimes we have to take legal action. We’ve seized equipment worth up to £10,000.”
From sound checks to sound exercises
The team’s approach is more mediation than enforcement. They often start with a ‘sound exercise’, a kind of neighbourly negotiation to monitor sound levels.
“We play music in one flat while officers stay in the other. The goal is to agree on an acceptable level,” said Mateusz.
But not every case is straightforward. For example, if someone complains about impact noise from the flat above, it’s often due to poor sound insulation – something the council can’t enforce against.
In contrast, when dealing with businesses that play live music or have DJs, the team plays different sounds to agree on what volume is acceptable, then sets up equipment to make sure the sound doesn’t go louder than that. Mateusz said: “I believe most issues can be resolved between neighbours. But, if they can’t, consequences can include court, fines, and even a criminal record.”
The people behind the noise
Cases can be quite complex. They can involve residents with mental health issues, addiction or just plain misunderstanding.
“One lady installed a high-pitched device to deter mice. She didn’t realise it was bothering her neighbours until we explained the issue, and she removed it” Mateusz explained.
In another case, a man with mental health problems played loud music all day. When officers visited, he became aggressive – until he recognised Mateusz, who he’d spoken to weeks earlier.
He said: “The resident calmed down when we arrived. That’s why building relationships matters.”
From Tenacious D to tenacious diplomacy
Before joining the council, Mateusz worked as a sound engineer for big shows, including a stint with comedy rock duo Tenacious D, featuring Jack Black. Now, he’s using his experience to help others enjoy music – without driving their neighbours mad.
“It’s great to have a good time. But if it happens regularly, it can have a long-term impact on others,” he said.
‘Harmony in our neighbourhoods’
Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, said: “Our noise complaints team plays a vital role in maintaining harmony in our neighbourhoods. Whether it’s a late-night party or ongoing disputes between neighbours, they approach every case with professionalism, empathy, and a focus on resolution. We’re proud to have such dedicated officers working to keep the borough a safe and respectful place for everyone.”
You can find out more about the council’s noise complaints team on the council’s website.
