Police Crack Down on Knife Crime in Romford Town Centre

Met Police officers from Romford Town Centre Team carried out a targeted knife crime operation on Exchange Street on Thursday, 6 November, using metal detection equipment to keep the community safe.

During the proactive operation, officers responded swiftly to alerts from the detector and engaged with shoppers and visitors to reassure the public about the purpose of their work.

The metal detectors, funded by Havering Council, form part of a joint partnership to tackle knife crime across the borough and make Romford’s busy town centre safer for everyone.

Sergeant Aaron Harris of the Romford Town Centre Team said:
“Having access to metal detectors in the town centre makes a difference to us and means we can tackle knife crime in different ways. But it doesn’t take away from the good old fashioned policing skills and the use of the equipment aids us. My team also spent time with many visitors to the area to offer reassurance and explain the purpose of the operation.

Thanks to Jane Eastaff at the local authority who secured the equipment for our use, boosting our joint crime fighting partnership work.

I would urge anyone with information about knife crime to come forward and report to us either online or by calling 101. Alternatively, you can also provide information anonymously to Fearless and the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

This latest operation highlights the Met’s commitment to keeping Romford’s streets safe and demonstrates how strong partnership working between police and Havering Council is delivering real results in the fight against knife crime.

Cabinet Member for Enforcement-Councillor Barry Mugglestone told the Havering Daily: “I am pleased to see the portable knife arch in action We want to send a clear message. We want residents to feel safe and send a message to all those who think it’s OK to carry a weapon. It’s not.”

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