Havering Police’s Fantastic Clear Hold Build Hailed National Best Practice After Achieving Outstanding Results Across Harold Hill.

Harold Hill’s crime fightback has been hailed as national best practice after two years of relentless work by police, partners and volunteers that has transformed the area.

Through the Clear Hold Build initiative, officers from the Havering police alongside Havering Council and key community partners have delivered a long term, data driven strategy targeting drugs, violence, theft, shoplifting and anti social behaviour.

And the results speak for themselves.

In 2025 alone, Harold Hill has seen 935 fewer victims of crime. That is a massive reduction in victim based offences. Across Havering as a whole crime has fallen by 10 per cent, compared to a 2 per cent reduction across London.

This is not short term enforcement. Clear Hold Build is a sustained problem solving approach designed to tackle serious and organised crime at its roots while rebuilding community confidence. Areas of concern were identified through detailed analysis and intelligence, with officers focusing resources where they were needed most.

The “clear” phase removed those driving criminality. The “hold” phase ensured sustained police presence and disruption. Now the “build” phase is strengthening the community itself.

Partners say the work has helped create a stronger, more united Harold Hill, with more residents taking part in community projects and local initiatives. There is a clear focus on understanding how place matters to people, what needs to change, and how to shape a safer future together.

A major part of that future is young people. Police are providing free sport sessions and working closely with Youth Unity to offer positive pathways and opportunities. The emphasis is firmly on prevention, engagement and long term change.

The approach has now been recognised nationally as best practice, underlining just how effective the partnership work in Harold Hill has been.

This is policing working hand in hand with the community. It is enforcement backed by engagement. And it is delivering real results.

Harold Hill is not just seeing fewer crimes. It is seeing a better, stronger community being built for the future.

The Clear Hold Build approach has made a very positive impact across Harold Hill.

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.