Police Seize More Than £500,000 of Suspected Stolen Goods in Romford Warehouse Raid
A year-long Metropolitan Police investigation into an organised crime group suspected of handling millions of pounds worth of stolen goods has led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man and the recovery of more than £500,000 worth of suspected stolen property.
Video footage -Met Police
On Tuesday 7 July, Metropolitan Police officers executed a warrant at a warehouse in Romford after intelligence suggested stolen goods were being delivered to the site by courier.
Inside the warehouse, officers discovered a substantial quantity of high-value suspected stolen goods, along with discarded security tags and packaging. While officers were carrying out the search, several courier drivers arrived at the warehouse with further deliveries, adding to the haul.
Among the items recovered were:
• Around £56,000 worth of Ultrasun sun lotion
• 1,000 jars of Neal’s Yard Frankincense Nourishing Cream
• £9,000 in cash
Enquiries established that the goods were believed to have been stolen from major retailers including Apple, Holland & Barrett, Boots and Waitrose. Price tags linked the items to offences committed both in London’s West End and across police force areas nationwide.
Superintendent Natasha Evans, the Met’s policing lead for the West End, said:
“This investigation demonstrates that we are not only targeting prolific offenders who commit thefts, but also those who handle and profit from stolen goods, helping to drive this cycle of criminality.
Organised retail crime has a significant impact on businesses, retail workers and local communities. That is why it is encouraging to see shoplifting across London fall by 3.7 per cent last year – around 3,500 fewer offences.
Where criminality does remain, both thieves and those involved in handling stolen goods should be in no doubt that they will not be allowed to operate with impunity. We will continue to pursue offenders, disrupt organised criminal networks and bring those responsible to justice.”
Following the warrant at the Romford premises, officers carried out further enquiries to locate the suspect.
The 34-year-old man was arrested on Friday 10 July on suspicion of handling stolen goods. Police also believe he sold stolen items through online marketplaces.
He remains in police custody.
The operation is the latest success in the Metropolitan Police’s continued crackdown on organised retail crime. Last year, more than 300 officers took part in two days of intensified activity, raiding 120 premises suspected of purchasing stolen goods. The operation resulted in 32 arrests and the seizure of thousands of suspected stolen items.
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.
Discover more from The Havering Daily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
