Police have released footage of officers storming a warehouse in Romford, seizing £500,000 of suspected stolen goods, including sun lotion and facial cream. The raid, which took place on Tuesday, saw officers use a power drill to force entry after intelligence suggested stolen items were being delivered there by courier.
Haul Includes High-End Skincare and Cash
Inside the warehouse, officers discovered a haul of suspected stolen goods, including approximately £56,000 worth of Ultrasun sun lotion and 1,000 jars of Neal’s Yard Frankincense Nourishing Cream. Discarded security tags and boxes were also found at the scene. In addition, police recovered £9,000 in cash during the raid.
A 34-year-old man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of handling stolen goods and remains in custody, according to police.
Part of Year-Long Investigation into Organised Crime
The operation was part of a year-long Metropolitan Police investigation into an organised crime group suspected of handling millions of pounds worth of stolen items. Police enquiries suggest the goods were stolen from major retailers including Apple, Holland & Barrett, Boots, and Waitrose. Price tags linked the items to offences committed in London’s West End and across other police force areas nationwide.
Superintendent Natasha Evans, the Met's policing lead for the West End, said: “This investigation demonstrates that we are not only targeting prolific offenders who commit thefts, but also those who handle and profit from stolen goods, helping to drive this cycle of criminality.”
Impact on Retail Crime and Community
Evans highlighted the broader impact of organised retail crime, stating: “Organised retail crime has a significant impact on businesses, retail workers and local communities. That is why it is encouraging to see shoplifting across London fall by 3.7 per cent last year – around 3,500 fewer offences. Where criminality does remain, both thieves and those involved in handling stolen goods should be in no doubt that they will not be allowed to operate with impunity. We will continue to pursue offenders, disrupt organised criminal networks and bring those responsible to justice.”
