South Havering Inspector Mark Connolly and his Safer Neighbourhood officers are continuing their proactive work to prevent crime and protect residents across the borough, urging the community to remain vigilant following a recent rise in catalytic converter thefts.
Inspector Connolly told the Havering Daily: “Across Havering, I take crime prevention seriously. Deterring crime before it happens is one of the most effective ways to keep our borough safe, and your vigilance and engagement play a vital role in that effort”.
He stressed the importance of vehicle security and encouraged residents to take simple but effective steps to reduce the risk of theft. Police have seen an increase in catalytic converter thefts across Havering over the past month and are asking residents to report any suspicious activity immediately. If a crime is in progress, residents should call 999. For non emergency matters they should contact 101, while those with relevant CCTV footage or information can contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team through the Met Engage platform.
Inspector Connolly also highlighted the use of preventative security measures, including the use of steering locks such as Disklok devices, which are Secured by Design accredited and widely recognised as a strong deterrent against vehicle theft. Residents can learn more about vehicle security products and other protective measures at a series of crime prevention events being hosted by Havering Safer Neighbourhood Teams throughout 2026. These events will provide opportunities for residents to meet officers, receive advice and explore security options that meet recognised safety standards.
Inspector Connolly is widely recognised across Havering and London for his strong record in tackling crime, particularly tool theft, where his work has helped return thousands of stolen tools to their rightful owners. Working closely with his Safer Neighbourhood officers, he continues to lead efforts to combat bike theft, vehicle crime and anti social behaviour across the borough.
Through targeted enforcement, visible neighbourhood policing and strong community engagement, Inspector Connolly and his team remain committed to preventing crime, protecting property and ensuring Havering remains a safer place to live and work.
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.