‘We Will Not Tolerate This’: Police and Councillors Unite in Elm Park Against Shoplifting.

Yesterday, Monday 5 January, police officers and Elm Park ward councillors were out in the town centre speaking directly to retailers about the growing impact of shoplifting and a serious recent assault on a local business.

On Saturday, a therapist working at Lavender Thai Therapy was assaulted and money was taken from the till, a shocking incident that has heightened concerns among shop owners across the area.

Yesterday, South Havering Inspector Connolly joined councillors Barry Mugglestone and Stephanie Nunn to meet with retail staff and hear first-hand about the challenges they are facing.

Inspector Connolly joins Councillors Barry Mugglestone and Stephanie Nunn and staff from the Co-op.

Councillor Mugglestone, who set up the Elm Park Shopwatch scheme two years ago, has been at the forefront of supporting businesses. The scheme allows staff to communicate quickly and share information when prolific or well-known thieves are in the area, helping retailers to protect themselves and each other.

Inspector Connolly and Sergeant Atkin have also been working closely with shop staff to tackle offences, offering practical support and taking action against repeat offenders.

Officers and councillors visited the Co-op, where staff revealed the store had already been targeted three times in one day. Both Inspector Connolly and Councillor Mugglestone spoke directly with employees to offer reassurance and support.

Councillor Mugglestone told the Havering Daily: ” I would like to thank Inspector Mark Connolly for coming to Elm Park to reassure shop owners that the Local Met Police team will engage with them. I also thank him for offering advice and suggestions.”

He added: “We as Elm Park Ward Councillors will support both Shops and the Met officers in dealing with any shop lifters.”

Inspector Connolly also addressed the incident at Lavender Thai Therapy, telling the Havering Daily: “Yesterday, I attended Elm Park to discuss the recent burglary at Lavender Thai Therapy. I spoke with the staff and will be speaking with the owner to discuss further crime prevention measures for the property.”

He continued: “I believe this was an isolated incident however not an incident which I want to see happen ever again.”

Giving an update on the investigation, Inspector Connolly said: “Currently the suspects remain outstanding, however we have developed tangible links to identify two suspects and will be conducting arrest enquiries to bring these offenders before the courts.”

While in the area, officers also spoke with staff at the Co-op regarding ongoing shoplifting concerns. Inspector Connolly said: “Whilst I was in the vicinity, I had the opportunity to speak with staff at the Elm Park Co-Op who have concerns in regards to shoplifting.”

He praised the work of local policing teams, stating: “Elm Park Safer Neighbourhood team are working tirelessly to identify offenders and prevent further offences.”

Highlighting the tools already in use, he added: “We have seen success with Criminal behaviour orders and will continue to use these as one tactic to arrest and ban individuals from Elm Park.”

Inspector Connolly also stressed the importance of partnership between police and businesses: “Its clear that shops also need to do their part to support their staff with crime prevention awareness, equipment, and security.”

Inspector Connolly joins staff from the Lavender Thai Therapy centre alongside Councillors Mugglestone and Nunn.

Looking ahead, he announced a dedicated meeting for business owners: “I will be holding a meeting in Elm Park on Monday the 12th of January at 10am for business owners to attend.”

He explained what would be on offer: “There will be a selection of crime prevention information along with Selectadna representatives who will be present to demonstrate their products for stores to purchase as an additional crime prevention measure.”

He added: “I hope to see representation from the local councillors and MP who have been invited to attend.”

Inspector Connolly also urged businesses to stay connected with local policing: “I would encourage the business community to sign up and joinwww.metengage.co.uk – This is your opportunity to receive local updates from your team and also have a direct contact to the ward Sergeant and his team”.

Both police and councillors have made it clear that tackling shoplifting and protecting local businesses is a shared priority. Their visible presence in Elm Park sends a strong message that offenders will be challenged, supported retailers will be listened to, and a joined-up approach will continue to drive action on the ground.

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