Havering Council has joined Police and other partners on a day of action to crackdown on antisocial behaviour and crime in Romford town centre (Thursday 2 July 2026).
As part of Antisocial Behaviour Awareness Week (29 June to 5 July 2026) Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Planning and the Council’s enforcement officers, teamed up with Havering police officers, PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers), security teams from Romford's shopping centres and Romford BID representatives, to provide a strong and highly visible presence across the town centre.
The Day of Action began with a briefing at the Salvation Army centre in High Street, Romford, where all the partners came together to share intelligence, outline the operational priorities of the day and coordinate action plans before going off in different directions across Romford.
There was a focus on tackling anti-social behaviour and concerns reported around street begging, rough sleepers and fly-tipping.
Results of the day included:
- five arrests by police (including two assaults, theft, breach of CBO (Criminal Behaviour Order), possession of Class A drugs and ailing to appear)
- six stop and searches made by police.
- five crime reports made (including two for shoplifting offences, possession of class A drugs and assault on police)
- one missing person found safe and well
Officers also spoke to businesses and the public, following recent reports of nuisance behaviour such as water pistols being aimed at shoppers and large groups intimidating some shop staff or customers.
Also, as part of ASB Awareness Week, the Council’s community safety officers and police were in Hornchurch High Street, speaking to residents and businesses, handing out crime prevention advice and how to report ASB.
Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said:
“We want to help make our borough safe for our residents and our visitors.
“This day of action as part of Antisocial Awareness Week is one of the many things we do together with our partners to help our town centres be safe and enjoyable places to be.
“We won’t tolerate antisocial behaviour and will continue to support the police in cracking down on those who commit crime in our borough.
“These days of action also show us working together with the community, including local businesses, residents and visitors, listening to concerns so we can work with them to help towards the prevention of crime and antisocial behaviour.
“We all have a part to play, from reporting crime and antisocial behaviour to dealing with it and help make our borough a safe place to be.”
Throughout the day of action in Romford, joint patrols took place across key locations including Romford town centre, Liberty Shopping Centre, Mercury Mall, The Brewery and around Romford Station
Julie Frost, Romford BID Director, said:
“Our partnership days of action demonstrate the strength of the collaborative approach we have built in Romford.
“By bringing together the Metropolitan Police, Havering Council’s Enforcement teams, plus our shopping centre security teams and Romford BID, we can deliver a highly visible presence that reassures businesses, workers and visitors, while proactively tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
“These operations are an important part of our ongoing commitment to keeping Romford a safe and welcoming destination."
Inspector Peter Kirk, from Havering Police, said:
"Today wasn't just about enforcement. It was about working together for our community. Having police officers, Council teams and partner organisations side by side meant we could deal with local issues more effectively and speak with businesses and residents face to face.
"The feedback we've received shows how much people value seeing agencies working together, and we're committed to building on that.
“We all want Romford to be a place where people feel safe and proud of where they live, and partnership days like this are an important part of making that happen."