Havering Officers Tackle Shoplifting Borough Wide As Well Known Thieves Targeted.

Shoplifting had spiralled out of control across Havering, with retailers describing the situation as the worst they’ve ever experienced. Local staff in supermarkets, fast food outlets like Greggs, and national chains such as Boots were reporting daily thefts — not by discreet criminals, but by individuals brazenly walking in with large bags, helping themselves to goods, and strolling out without a care.

Many of these offenders are well known in their respective areas, and their actions had left staff completely demoralised. After months of facing verbal abuse, daily threats, and even physical violence, retail workers were exhausted and fearful. Stores had begun removing high-value items from shelves entirely, anticipating they’ll simply be stolen otherwise.

However, now, following the launch In Harold Hill, of a targeted initiative named Clear, Hold, Build, introduced to tackle rising anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, there has been a noticeable difference.The impact was immediate. With an increased police presence and proactive efforts from local officers, several prolific offenders were identified and issued with Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), significantly disrupting criminal activity.

Similarly, in Elm Park, shop staff had been reporting up to ten shoplifting incidents each day. Thanks to a determined and focused response by local officers, that figure has dropped dramatically to just two a day — a huge relief for exhausted employees.

Romford, however, continues to struggle with high levels of retail theft, particularly across its three shopping centres and the busy South Street area. Daily thefts remain a serious issue here, with officers working hard to identify offenders and support retailers.

Chief Inspector Charlie Routley, from the Met’s neighbourhood policing team in Havering, told the Havering Daily:
“The Met is prioritising neighbourhood policing, putting more officers in local teams to tackle issues that matter most to Londoners, like shoplifting.
“Officers are working closely with local business owners in Romford to crack down on the most prolific shoplifters who cause fear to retail workers and have a negative impact on communities.”

Officers also want to add:

“We encourage businesses to report all shoplifting no matter the value as this helps build an accurate understanding of crime in the town and prioritise policing operations at key locations.

A range of policing tactics are used to deter and detect theft offences.  We also conduct regular operations within the town; deploying officers to patrol with local security team ‘My Local Bobby’ and work together to combat specific issues and provide reassurance to retailers whom report incidents.

Acting on information, we have deployed plain-clothed officers within shops in the town centre persistently targeted by shoplifters. Those officers have witnessed offences and been able to quickly detain offenders.

Community Protection Warnings are issued to prevent offenders from visiting specific areas.   Across the borough we are working with the CBO panel to protect our local businesses and have successfully applied to the courts for Criminal Behaviour Orders for a number of prolific offenders who have targeted areas such as Elm Park, Harold Hill and also Romford town centre.
We are taking robust action against offenders regardless of value stolen.  Our message is clear – if you are going into local retailers intent on committing crime we will take action against you.  We will not tolerate thefts or assaults on shop employees.  To our local businesses, please report crime by calling police.  We are working closely with our key partners and stakeholders and will continue to tackle issues together to make Havering a safer place for the public who visit and those who work here.”

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.