Serial Shoplifter Jailed After Hitting Elm Park and Hornchurch 17 Times.

A man has been found guilty of 17 shoplifting offences across Hornchurch and Elm Park and sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment, following extensive work by local police.

On Wednesday 7 January, David Purton, 32 (07.09.93) of no fixed address, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court where he was convicted of the offences, which were committed in Elm Park and Hornchurch.

The incidents took place across the Havering area between November 2025 and January 2026 and form part of a wider crackdown on retail crime led by neighbourhood policing teams.

Inspector Mark Connolly, the Met’s local policing lead across South Havering, said: “Elm Park and Hornchurch remain priority areas for the Havering Safer Neighbourhood Teams. The teams led by PS Matt Atkin and PS Lee George. The dedication and relentless partnership work of the teams led by teams led by PS Matt Atkin and PS Lee George have been instrumental in these results and improving community safety.

“Elm Park will continue to be a key focus for my team in the coming months. On Monday, 12 January, I will be hosting a Crime Prevention Talk and Public Discussion. I warmly invite local business leaders and members of the community to attend and share their views as we work together to keep Havering safe.”

This conviction highlights the commitment of Havering officers to tackling repeat offenders and protecting shop workers, businesses and residents. Police have made clear that shoplifting will be pursued robustly and that those responsible will be brought before the courts.

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