Tackling Stolen & Counterfeit Goods - Havering Police Leading The Way On Compliance

Officers from Romford’s Town Centre Team joined forces with Havering’s Trading Standards to clamp down on high value stolen and counterfeit goods being sold in Romford.

This week, a number of visits were carried out to street traders in Market Place, pawnbrokers and second hand shops in the area. The operation involving police officers from Romford Town Centre Team supported by Trading Standards and SelectaDNA forensic marking industry experts, ‘The Gas Expert’ Shoaib a tool theft campaigner and ambassador.  

Inspector Mark Connolly for Havering Safer Neighbourhood Team

“A number of visits were carried as a result of information around stolen and counterfeit goods being sold in the town.  High value brands are desirable by many young people.  We have seen occasions where unsuspecting consumers of these goods purchased at substantially lower prices become victims of robbery.  Our aim is to remove these goods from circulation locally and help reduce robberies in the area.  In the lead up to Christmas, we would encourage the public to avoid choosing to purchase stolen / counterfeit goods over genuine articles for themselves or gifts for others”.

Across the Met, we’re focused on tackling repeat offenders who create fear for retail workers and harm communities. 

We're also going after the criminal gangs responsible for reselling stolen goods – and putting more officers into town centres across the capital. Additionally HGV and cargo theft has a significant impact on retailers and some of these goods end up in boot fares, market places or second hand shops. Across Havering we will continue to carry out compliance checks. Anyone found handling stolen goods or stealing will be prosecuted."