Havering Police Target Romford Shops in Crackdown on Suspected Stolen Goods

22nd October 202622nd October 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Havering, Operation Zoridon, Police, Stoeln Goods min read

Havering Police have taken part in a major London-wide operation targeting suspected stolen goods and illegal tobacco, with officers visiting retail units in Romford as part of efforts to tackle the trade in illicit products.

The operation, known as Operation Zoridon, forms part of a wider crackdown on suspected rogue retailers across London. The Met reports that the two-week operation has resulted in 42 arrests and closure notices being issued to 11 shops.

Around 400 shops suspected of buying and reselling stolen goods were visited by officers from the Met as part of the operation. Items including cosmetics, electrical goods and food products were seized, with the value of suspected stolen stock reported to be in the tens of thousands of pounds.

Ahead of the operation, months of joint work between the Met, retailers and Trading Standards helped identify businesses suspected of buying and selling stolen goods.

Havering Police joined Operation Zoridon this week as officers took action against suspected illegal activity in Romford.

On Tuesday, officers targeted retail units in Romford, where they removed mobile phones suspected of being stolen and illegal tobacco products.

Well done to Inspector Routley, who leads on Operation Zoridon for East Area, and Inspector Harris for their work relating to the operation across Romford, targeting shops suspected of selling illegal items.

Retailers also highlighted products frequently targeted by thieves. These items were marked with SelectaDNA, a forensic marking solution that leaves a unique traceable code identifiable under UV light. This can help officers link recovered goods to the stores from which they were reported stolen.

Intelligence gathered during the operation indicates that prolific shoplifters may be stealing to order from major high street retailers, targeting specific products requested by people suspected of buying and reselling stolen goods. These alleged ‘shopping lists’ can help fuel the organised criminal supply chain.

The operation forms part of wider efforts by police, retailers and Trading Standards to disrupt the trade in suspected stolen goods and tackle the sale of illegal products.