Exclusive: Brazen Daylight Robbery Turns Violent as Staff Member Pushed to the Ground.

A violent daylight robbery has left a respected Elm Park business shaken after a man brutally assaulted a member of staff, pushing her to the ground before stealing cash and fleeing the scene.

The shocking attack took place at 13.44 on Saturday at Lavender Thai Therapy in Elm Park. CCTV footage shows the man walking past the shop before returning moments later and pressing the buzzer to gain entry.

Once inside, the man pretended he wanted to buy a massage voucher for his wife. He then went behind the counter towards the till. Despite being told clearly by the staff member that he was not allowed there, the man suddenly turned violent, shoving her to the ground before grabbing money from the till and making off.

CCTV footage clearly shows the moment the robber enters the store and then violently assaults the poor therapist below.

The victim was left injured and deeply traumatised by the ordeal.

It is believed the same man had attempted to rob the nearby Co-op earlier but was unsuccessful.

Bill, who owns Lavender Thai Therapy, said the incident has left him angry and heartbroken. Speaking exclusively to the Havering Daily, he said:
“The saddest part for us is that this is becoming the norm now. Our therapist is left traumatised by this incident and injured physically as a result. This has been a shock for us as we pride ourselves in helping others, healing many in the community, and really changing their lives with our massages. We are too trusty as this has shown.”

Lavender Thai Therapy is well known and highly respected within the community for its warm welcome, kindness and the life-changing support it provides to clients through therapeutic massage. The attack has sent shockwaves through Elm Park, with many residents expressing anger that a business built on care and healing has been targeted in such a brutal way.

Bill added:
“This is not the way to treat people. its not fair or right.”

Police were called immediately following the robbery. A call was made to the Met Contact Centre, and officers arranged to attend the shop the following day.

Elm Park Councillor Barry Mugglestone was informed of the incident and visited Bill at the shop swiftly to offer his support. He told the Havering Daily:

“Saturday afternoon I was contacted by Bill, owner of Lavender Thai Therapy who informed me that an individual went into his shop and assaulted and robbed one of the therapists. I was saddened to hear this and went to see him straightaway.

On arriving at the shop, I met Bill who had been joined by Lisa the manager of the Elm Park Coop. I was advised that police would not attend until the following day. I was not happy about this and asked Bill for copies of the cctv. I passed these on to a senior police officer within Havering and as a result I am pleased to say police attended within one hour of the incident.

Having personally set up a Shop watch some 18 months ago in Elm Park this has helped to keep shops aware of any incidents, but shoplifting and rising crime are a nationwide issue.

Your three Elm Park Ward councillors will continue to support local businesses and hold the Met Police to account.”

Chief Inspector Charlie Routley from Havering Police told the Havering Daily:

“A call was made to police and the incident was risk‑assessed by colleagues at MetCC. With the suspect no longer on scene and other high‑risk incidents occurring across the borough, an appointment was initially arranged for an officer to attend the following day to speak with all parties involved. However, once I was made aware of the incident, I requested that a unit attend immediately to ensure the victims were spoken to promptly and the matter formally reported.

We ask that anyone who witnessed this incident contact police with any information that may assist our enquiries, quoting CAD 3218/03JAN26. My officers continue to work tirelessly, alongside the businesses and residents of Elm Park, to keep the area safe for everyone.”

Residents are once again raising concerns about violent crime against local shop workers, particularly during busy daytime hours, and are calling for stronger action to protect small businesses that serve the community.

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