Shoplifting in Elm Park vastly reduced following ongoing police action in the area.

Elm Park Ward Councillor launches shop watch group to support retailers.

A meeting held on Friday 7 June in Elm Park saw retail workers reveal that shoplifting in the area had now been cut by half and the number of theft incidents they were reporting a day had gone down from 10 to two, following a strong police presence in the area.

The meeting held by Elm Park Councillor Barry Mugglestone, was a follow up from the initial meeting held several months ago by the then MP for Elm Park Jon Cruddas, Margaret Mullane and and all three Elm Park Councillors. At the first meeting, shop staff spoke about the daily theft incidents, anti social behaviour and how shop staff faced ongoing abuse from thieves. Store managers spoke of how their staff was abused, and hundreds of pounds worth of goods were being taken each day by regular thieves known in the area.

Inspector Mark Connolly, Supt Huchinson and Councillor Barry Mugglestone on a walkabout in Elm Park.

At the meeting on Friday, retail workers had the chance to discuss further issues with Havering Neighbourhoods Superintendent Simon Hutchison and Inspector Mark Connolly about further problems. Inspector Connolly informed staff that there was an ongoing police presence in the area and how local police officers were working hard to tackle crime. Officers were also using CBO’s for repeat offenders that has worked well in Harold Hill under the Clear Hold Built initiative. Plans had also been put in place for British Transport Police officers to patrol Elm Park station,alongside Elm Park Neighbourhoods Officers.

Shop workers reported a drastic drop in shoplifting, the Sainsbury’s store manager spoke of how the number of incidents being reported to police each day had dropped from 10 to 2. Staff were very pleased with the work being taken by the local police officers and also pleased with the launch of the new Elm Park Shop Watch. Councillor Mugglestone set up the phone group to support retailers and help them deal with daily offenders.

Through the hard work of the three councillors, local police officers and retailers, the area is seeing a very positive difference. Neighbourhoods Inspector Connolly shared his plans to help work further with local residents by hosting special community days.

The three Elm Park Councillors Barry Mugglestone, Stephanie Nunn and Julie Wilkes did a walkabout with Supt Huchison and Inspector Connolly after the meeting to chat to local residents and shop staff further to hear any other concerns.

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