Retailers and police officers join forces to tackle shoplifting and anti social behaviour in Rainham.

‘We discussed the wider community engagement role and how local policing teams are able to come together with local retailers to work together to combat shoplifting and anti-social behaviour’-Inspector Connolly.

Police officers joined Tesco staff and local councillor Sue Ospreay in Rainham yesterday to talk about issues they have had with anti social behaviour and shoplifting.

Local Neighbourhoods Inspector for the Area-Inspector Connolly was able to share advice on how the organisations can work better together to support each other.

The local store has already embarked in numerous activities to stop anti social behaviour such as removing benches outside and making sure staff and customers feel safe when entering and exiting.

Inspector Connolly spoke clearly about the best ways to go forward and how the police can better support the local area.

He told the Havering Daily:

“Today I met with the manager of Tesco’s Rainham and Councillor Sue Ospreay to discuss retail theft and community engagement within Rainham. We discussed the wider community engagement role and how local policing teams are able to come together with local retailers to work together to combat shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. I was pleased to confirm that both Tesco’s and the local policing team will increase their activity to support the community at this location.

Moving forward the Rainham Safer neighbourhood team will be involved in community engagement stalls outside of Tesco with dates to be advertised in the near future. Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with the team an discuss any concerns.

Retailers will continue to work closely with the team and any criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. If a crime is being committed please call 999. If it’s a non-emergency please call 101.

The community of Rainham and its visitors remain a priority. My officers will not tolerate any criminal behaviour or anti-social behaviour within Rainham.  I would encourage residents to report matters directly so we can act on them swiftly and support their local retailers to engage with them and support their local team and its retailers.”

Rainham ward councillor Sue Ospreay told the Havering Daily:

“I’m a great believer in gathering good people together to resolve problems.I found a meeting with Francesca from The Havering Daily, Inspector Mark Connolly, Police officer Martin and Tesco store manager Vickie Fenton, extremely positive.

“Things have already been put in place. Improvements will be implemented as a result of discussion, which highlighted areas that could be upgraded.
Actions have already been taken. Arrests have recently been made and things are starting to look more positive.

“Team work makes the dreamwork. Something good is happening in Rainham.”

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