Working Together to Prevent Crime Across Holland and Campden Wards

Working Together to Prevent Crime Across Holland and Campden Wards

Online shopping and home deliveries have become part of everyday life, but unattended parcels can attract opportunistic thieves.

On Thursday 5 November 2026, officers from the Holland and Campden Safer Neighbourhood Team were carrying out late-night patrols as part of Operation Autumn Nights, our ongoing initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Whilst conducting proactive patrols in the Campden Ward area of Airlie Gardens, W8, Holland Ward officers, working alongside colleagues from Campden, spotted a male behaving suspiciously and decided to engage with him. Following a stop and search, officers recovered a large quantity of confectionery and several delivery parcels that were not addressed to him.

When the male was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for being in possession of these items, he was arrested by Holland Ward officers on suspicion of handling stolen goods. All parcels recovered were subsequently returned to their rightful owners.

This arrest demonstrates the close working relationship between the Holland and Campden Wards. Although the incident occurred in Campden, officers regularly work across both wards, sharing intelligence, conducting joint patrols and identifying offenders before criminality has a chance to impact neighbouring communities. By working together, we aim not only to respond to crime but to prevent it from spreading into our wards wherever possible.

Top Tips to Keep Your Parcels Secure

✅ Use alternative delivery options where possible, such as parcel lockers, collection points, or delivery to your workplace.

✅ Nominate a trusted neighbour to accept deliveries if you know you won't be home.

✅ Track your delivery and make use of delivery notifications so you know when your parcel is due to arrive.

✅ Choose a safe place for parcels to be left if your delivery provider offers this option.

✅ Collect parcels promptly and avoid leaving them visible outside your property for extended periods.

✅ Be mindful of what you share online. Posting about expensive purchases or upcoming deliveries can unintentionally attract unwanted attention.

Criminals often look for easy opportunities. By planning ahead and taking a few simple security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of parcel theft.

If you witness suspicious behaviour around delivery vehicles, communal entrances, or residential properties, please report it. Your information can help us keep our neighbourhoods safe.

📞 In an emergency, always call 999.

📞 For non-emergency concerns, contact 101 or report online through the Metropolitan Police website.

By working together across Holland and Campden Wards, we can identify offenders early, prevent crime from spreading, and keep our communities safe.