The Havering Daily yesterday joined police officers and Havering Council for an exclusive look inside a major operation targeting high-value stolen and counterfeit goods across Romford. Officers flooded the market and surrounding areas as part of a coordinated clampdown led by Havering’s Neighbourhoods Inspector Connolly.
Officers from Romford’s Town Centre Team joined forces with Havering Trading Standards, SelectDNA forensic marking experts, Nick Roach from Selectamark, and Shoaib, known locally as The Gas Expert and a national tool theft campaigner. A number of visits were made to street traders, pawnbrokers and second-hand shops as part of a growing push to stop stolen items being sold in the borough.
Inspector Connolly has been actively leading the fight against tool theft, becoming one of the most determined and influential policing voices on the issue. His work now stretches far beyond Havering, with officers and industry partners across London and nationally recognising his commitment to protecting tradespeople from rising theft. He has been working hand in hand with organisations including SelectDNA, Selectamark and other key tool-marking companies, building strong partnerships that help shut down criminal networks and safeguard honest workers. His leadership has now placed Havering at the forefront of the national battle against tool theft, with other forces looking to his approach as a model of proactive policing.
Inspector Connolly told the Havering Daily:
“A number of visits were carried out this morning as a result of information around stolen and counterfeit goods being sold in the town. High-value brands are desirable by many young people. We have seen occasions where unsuspecting consumers of these goods purchased at substantially lower prices become victims of robbery. Our aim is to remove these goods from circulation locally and help reduce robberies in the area. In the lead up to Christmas, we would encourage the public to avoid choosing to purchase stolen / counterfeit goods over genuine articles for themselves or gifts for others.”
L-R Nick Roach, Inspector Connolly and Shoaib ;The Gas Expert’.
Yesterday’s operation followed intelligence about stolen and counterfeit goods being sold in the town. High-value designer brands remain desirable, especially among young people, and officers have seen cases where those who unknowingly buy these goods at cheap prices later become victims of robbery. The aim of the operation is to remove these items from circulation and help reduce robberies locally. With Christmas approaching, police are urging the public not to purchase stolen or fake goods, whether for themselves or as gifts.
Havering Police confirmed that compliance checks will continue and that anyone found handling stolen goods or selling counterfeit items will be prosecuted.
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.