The latest statistics from the Metropolitan Police show that 191 shoplifting offences were recorded across the borough in February 2025.
In more than two thirds (67 per cent) of these cases, police have been unable to prosecute the suspect or the investigation has been completed with no suspect identified.
There has been little change in the number of offences since last year, however, with 193 shoplifting incidents reported in February 2024.
A total of 29 incidents were reported in Romford town centre over the month, compared with 19 near Upminster station and 12 around the High Street and Billet Lane area in Hornchurch.
Many of the offences occurred in the same or similar locations, for instance there were six shoplifting reports on or near High Street, Hornchurch and three on or near Exchange Street in Romford.
READ MORE: Top scores for Havering businesses in new food hygiene inspections
While the majority of offences were carried out on or near shopping areas or supermarkets, five shoplifting incidents were reported at petrol stations and one at or near a nightclub.
Across England and Wales, more than half a million shoplifting offences were recorded in 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This is the highest number since current police recording practices began in 2003.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said retail crime is continuing to “spiral out of control” with shop theft costing retailers more than £2.2 billion a year.
Ch Insp Charlie Routley, from the Met’s neighbourhood policing team in Havering, said: “The Met is prioritising neighbourhood policing, putting more officers in local teams to tackle issues that matter most to Londoners, like shoplifting.
“Officers are working closely with local business owners in Romford to crack down on the most prolific shoplifters who cause fear to retail workers and have a negative impact on communities.”
Romford Business Improvement District declined to comment on the figures.
