Caught on Camera: Brazen Masked Thieves Smash Their Way Into Hornchurch Store.
Shocking footage circulating on social media has once again highlighted the growing problem of shoplifting across Hornchurch, after brazen thieves were caught on camera smashing a perfume cabinet inside Boots before making off with stolen goods.
Video taken from Facebook.
The offenders, whose faces were concealed by balaclavas, appeared completely unfazed as they targeted the store in broad view, smashing display cabinets and stealing high-value perfume before fleeing.
The incident is the latest in a string of retail thefts affecting shops across Havering, where businesses continue to battle increasingly bold offenders.
The latest crime figures paint a worrying picture. Around 2,200 shoplifting offences were recorded across Havering during the latest 12-month period, equating to a rate of 7.6 offences per 1,000 residents.
Retailers say organised shoplifting gangs are becoming increasingly confident, with many thieves disguising themselves before entering stores and targeting high-value items such as cosmetics, perfumes and alcohol.
The incident at Boots has sparked fresh concern among residents and business owners, many of whom say shoplifting has become a regular occurrence on Hornchurch High Street.
Across the country, shoplifting has reached record levels. Police-recorded shoplifting offences in England and Wales remain close to historic highs, with retailers continuing to report rising losses linked to organised criminal groups.
Havering Police have previously carried out targeted operations across Hornchurch and Elm Park to tackle prolific shoplifters, resulting in a number of arrests and closer working with local retailers.
Residents and business owners are now hoping those efforts continue, as many fear that increasingly brazen offenders are acting with little regard for staff, customers or the law.
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