Police and Council Team Up To Transform Harold Hill As Residents See Results.

Havering Police and council have joined forces to launch the next phase of the Clear Hold Build initiative that is helping reduce crime and improve safety across Harold Hill.

Since the initiative began in December 2023, more than 130 arrests have been made for a wide range of offences. The work has involved police working closely with the council’s enforcement, community safety and regeneration teams, alongside a number of local partners.

A recent meeting held at Myplace Youth and Community Centre brought together residents, businesses, community groups and youth organisations, including Youth Unity. The meeting looked at the progress made so far and set out the long-term ambitions for the next stage of the programme.

Over the last two years, the Clear and Hold stages have led to a significant reduction in crime, anti-social behaviour and other issues that had been affecting residents and businesses in Harold Hill. Overall, crime and related problems have fallen by more than 50 per cent in some areas.

The initiative, known locally as Our Harold Hill, is part of the nationally recognised Clear, Hold, Build model — a partnership approach designed to tackle crime and strengthen communities.

The programme works in three stages.

The Clear phase focuses on police and partners removing the most harmful offenders, disrupting criminal networks and dealing with immediate threats.

The Hold phase involves police and council teams working closely with residents to maintain safety, support vulnerable people and stabilise the area.

The Build phase focuses on long-term improvements, investment in the community, opportunities for young people and building pride in the local area.

Harold Hill is one of the first areas in London to move through all three phases in full partnership.

The project also includes providing sports and activities for children and young people to help steer them away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Two years of joint working have already delivered significant results. Compared with the period before the initiative launched in 2023, the last 12 months have seen:

• 935 fewer victim-based crimes, down 28.3 per cent
• 111 fewer violence with injury offences, down 27.6 per cent
• 98 fewer burglaries, down 56.3 per cent
• 349 fewer vehicle crimes, down 57.1 per cent
• 110 fewer shoplifting offences, down 41.2 per cent

Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“There have been great achievements so far by everyone working together under the Clear Hold Build initiative, but we all know there is more work to do.

“We hope it sends out a message to those looking to cause anti-social behaviour or carry it out in the community, that it won’t be tolerated.

“There has been action taken against those who have committed offences and both ourselves and the Police won’t hesitate to continue taking action.

“We also hope that residents and local businesses feel reassured that they are being listened to but also feel confident to report anti-social behaviour and concerns over crime.

“Together with the Police and all our partners, the aim is to help provide a safer and happier community for all.”

Charlie Routley, Acting Chief Inspector for Havering Police Safer Neighbourhoods and Tactical Lead for Clear Hold Build in Havering, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made since launching the Clear phase in December 2023 and of what we’ve achieved together as part of the ‘Our Harold Hill – Clear Hold Build’ programme.

“By prioritising focused neighbourhood policing throughout the Clear and Hold phases, we’ve made significant arrests, disrupted criminal activity, and, most importantly, seen a substantial reduction in the number of victims of crime.

“This has only been possible through strong partnership working and the continued support of local residents.

“But our work doesn’t stop here. As we now move into the Build phase, our focus shifts to long-term prevention — tackling the underlying causes of offending, strengthening community resilience, and working alongside partners and residents to secure lasting improvements.

“Together, we will continue to transform Harold Hill into a safer, stronger place to live and work.”

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