SPECIAL REPORT: Community Praises Ongoing Success Of Police Initiative Clear Hold Build Across Harold Hill.

“This initiative I feel, has been a huge success.We have not only seen a reduction in local crime and anti-social behaviour but have also witnessed the building of strong relationships between the police and members of the community. In particular, our youth“-Jan Sargent

Clear Hold Build a police initiative that was launched two years ago across Harold Hill, has been praised by the local community for its ongoing success and the positive results it is achieving.

The initiative has not only removed prolific shoplifters who had blighted the area for many years, it has also vastly reduced anti social behaviour and worked closely on the community outreach side to bring many clubs to Harold Hill.

Known shoplifters were removed from Farnham Road, many handed out Criminal Behaviour Orders. Anti social behaviour was tackled and measures were put in place to reduce this by working with local partners such as Havering Council to improve security across certain buildings. And lastly, working with fantastic groups in the area such as Youth Unity and Box Up Crime to help support our youth and work with them.

All this has contributed to the success Clear Hold Build has achieved across Harold Hill.

Yesterday, Tuesday 14 January, officers who have been working hard on this initiative led by Chief Inspector Charlie Routley, met with shopkeepers and members of the public to hear for themselves, how pleased they were with the results officers have achieved. Jan Sargent, a Harold Hill community champion spoke with officers about the fantastic positive impact the initiative has had.

She told the Havering Daily:

“I would like to thank all involved in bringing the police initiative ‘Clear, Hold Build’ to us here in Harold Hill.
The initiative, led by Inspector Charlie Routley, I feel, has been a huge success.
We have not only seen a reduction in local crime and anti-social behaviour but have also witnessed the building of strong relationships between the police and members of the community. In particular, our youth.
“The initiative which has also included a free youth sports programme has given local kids a great opportunity to not only get out into the fresh air but to also get to know our local police officers. Everyone involved has made huge efforts in getting this off the ground, and hundreds of kids have enjoyed the fun.
I know the officers have been really stretched at times, but I’ve seen how they have made the community activities one of their priorities. I’m sure that I speak on behalf of many for thanking them for all their efforts.
“They really are making a difference.Our local neighbourhood policing teams are ‘simply the best’ and we look forward to the February half term for the start of this year’s activities.”

Chief Inspector Routley has spoken to the Havering Daily about the fantastic impact the initiative has had across Harold Hill.

“We have reduced reported crime (all offences) in the CHB area by 37%

·       We have reduced Shoplifting in CHB area by 35%

·       We have reduced ASB in the CHB area by 50%

·       We have secured numerous custodial sentences and CBOs against prolific offenders. The most recent of which was 16 weeks custodial and a 2yr CBO against Mark Woodhall

·       We have made over 70 arrests for offences including drugs supply/possession, possession of weapons, robbery, assault and theft

·       We have executed 16 search warrants, recovering large quantities of drugs, weapons and cash

·       We are in the process of launching a Business Crime Reduction Partnership with the 5 major retailers involved (Co-Op, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Superdrug and Iceland) I hope to launch this officially in the next few months

·       We delivered United in Basketball and Football in May, Summer and October last year. This saw over 900 children attend sessions across the borough. It started as a CHB side project. Alongside LBH we have secured funding to continue this in 2025, starting in February (First date in Central Park, Harold Hill being Monday 17^th February at 11am. We will have further dates during the Feb half term in other areas across the borough as well)

·       We are now applying learning from CHB in other areas like Hornchurch, Elm Park, Upminster and Romford where similar issues to those in Farnham Road have been noted

·       We held a large community fun day in September 2024. Plans are in place to hold another one in 2025 and make this an annual event for the community to enjoy

·       We have secured funding for a 12 week youth outreach programme between January and March, involving Youth Unity and Box Up Crime.

He added:

“As part of our ongoing “Our Harold Hill – Clear Hold Build” initiative we are pleased to announce that we have secured funding to provide a 12 week youth outreach programme for the Harold Hill community

“From Thursday 16^th January, Youth Unity will be in Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill (by the shops) with their Mobile Intervention Bus every Thursday between 3pm and 5.30pm . The Mobile Intervention Bus provides a safe space you children to engage with youth outreach workers and enjoy activities like music production, podcasting and Xbox gaming. Find out more about Youth Unity here https://youthunity.org/

“From Friday 17^th January, Box Up Crime will be at MyPlace in Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill every Friday from 5.30pm to 7.45pm, delivering FREE boxing and fitness sessions for kids. Box Up Crime uses sport, and boxing in particular, as a tool to inspire, educate and develop young individuals. Find out more about Box Up Crime here https://boxupcrime.org/about-us/

“I am very happy to announce this 12 week youth outreach programme which we are able to provide as part of the “Our Harold Hill” project. By working alongside Havering Council and organisations like Youth Unity and Box Up Crime I am sure we can have a positive and long lasting impact in areas like Harold Hill . All activities are free of charge with no need to pre book. I encourage parents and carers to bring their children along and join in the fun” 

These free sessions will run every Thursday and Friday up until the end of March. Apart from Friday 7^th March due to MyPlace being closed.

Chief Inspector Routley, the Tactical Lead For Clear Hold Build finished by saying:

“I am pleased to see the progress we have made in Harold Hill as a result of Clear Hold Build over the last 12 months. My teams have worked incredibly hard, alongside our key partners Havering Council and the local community, to target and disrupt offenders whilst improving the area and putting in place long term problem solving interventions. The success we have seen to date is a direct result of the partnership approach we have adopted. By working alongside Havering Council, the public sector, private sector and the local community we can achieve so much. I look forward to continuing our joint efforts to make Harold Hill a safer place to live, work and visit.”

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