Havering’s Shoplifting Crisis: 2,200 Offences Recorded In A Year As Police Crack Down On Repeat Thieves.
Shoplifting across Havering remains at worrying levels, with more than 2,200 offences recorded in the borough over the latest 12-month period. However, police say targeted operations and stronger neighbourhood policing are beginning to make an impact in some of Havering’s hardest-hit areas.
New crime data shows Havering recorded approximately 2,200 shoplifting offences, giving the borough a shoplifting rate of 7.6 offences per 1,000 residents.
Despite the rise in retail theft, Havering still remains one of London’s safer boroughs overall, with total crime levels sitting around 17% lower than the London average.
However, shoplifting has become one of the borough’s most visible and frustrating crimes for residents, retailers and police alike.
Retailers say the real number is likely far higher because many thefts are never reported.
Police officers across Havering have increasingly found themselves dealing with:
- prolific repeat offenders,
- organised retail crime gangs,
- aggressive thefts targeting staff,
- and youths openly stealing from stores.
But there are also signs that proactive policing is starting to work.
A major partnership operation between Havering Council and the Met Police in Harold Hill has already delivered significant results. Under the “Clear Hold Build” initiative, officers made more than 130 arrests and helped reduce shoplifting offences locally by more than 41%.
The scheme focused heavily on neighbourhood policing, targeted patrols and intelligence-led operations against repeat offenders.
Meanwhile, local police have also secured Criminal Behaviour Orders against persistent offenders operating in areas such as Elm Park. One prolific offender was banned from multiple shopping areas after being convicted of repeated theft offences.
Retail workers have increasingly become victims too.
National retail figures show thousands of shop staff are now facing abuse, threats and violence while simply trying to do their jobs. Retail leaders warn organised gangs are systematically targeting shops and exploiting overwhelmed police and court systems.
Many local businesses across Romford, Hornchurch and Elm Park have responded by increasing CCTV, hiring additional security staff and locking away high-value items.
Officers say public support also plays a huge role in tackling shoplifting, with intelligence from residents and shopkeepers helping police identify repeat offenders far quicker.
While Havering’s shoplifting figures remain high, police insist the answer is not to give up on enforcement but to increase visible policing, faster action against prolific offenders and stronger support for retailers.
For many residents, seeing officers back on the beat and repeat offenders targeted cannot come soon enough.
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In other London boroughs shoplifting happens, but is hardly reported, making numbers lower.
In Romford there are significant benefits of the combined work with retailers, police and the My Local Bobbies funded by Romford BID, The Liberty and The Brewery.
The Romford businesses report the thefts, as they know more is dealt with and prevention is helping too.
In short, Havering has higher numbers as businesses know reporting will get the help needed.