"Before December 2023 we had a massive issue with violence. Gangs would come in and threaten staff, saying if they come near, they will have acid thrown in their face, or if staff approached them during the shoplifting they would come back and meet them after work."
"It's terrible, the shoplifting, the violence, approaching someone and knowing you could be stabbed. It's happening a lot round here. I've been spat on and sworn at, but I've never been hit. I actually feel sorry for them, some of them have got kids and just can't afford to live."
"The three-stage plan, developed by the Home Office, uses a data-driven approach to improve the local response in tackling serious and organised crime threats in specific locations. It is currently in place in eight locations across London."
Shop workers in Harold Hill, Romford have experienced severe threats including acid attacks, spitting, and verbal abuse from thieves and gangs. The area recorded over 21,000 notable offences in 2023, prompting the Metropolitan Police to implement the Clear, Hold, Build initiative in December 2023. This three-stage, data-driven approach targets serious and organised crime in specific locations. Police report theft reductions exceeding 40% and improved community safety perceptions, though some residents report noticing minimal changes. Shop workers describe ongoing intimidation tactics, with some leaving their positions due to violence threats. The initiative operates across eight London locations, focusing initially on increasing resources to tackle prolific offenders.
Read at www.bbc.com
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