A Co-op store in Harold Hill was the target of a late-night burglary, prompting a police response and an ongoing investigation.
Officers were called to the Co-op on Farnham Road just before midnight on Thursday (April 17) following reports of a suspected break-in. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered significant damage to the store’s front shutter and confirmed that items had been stolen from within the premises.
Photos from the scene show a square hole cut into the shop’s metal shutter, with police tape cordoning off the entrance during the initial investigation.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said:
“On Thursday (April 17) at 11:55pm, officers were called to Farnham Road, Harold Hill, to reports of a suspected break-in at a retail premises.
Damage was caused to the front shutter of the store and items were stolen from inside.
A crime scene was in place but has since been closed. Two suspects made off from the location, and enquiries to identify them are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time.”
The Co-op confirmed the burglary occurred while the store was closed, adding that the premises have since reopened to customers.
This latest incident comes after another Co-op break-in in nearby Collier Row earlier this month, leading to speculation about a possible pattern of targeted attacks on local convenience stores.
Residents in the area have expressed concern on social media, with one user writing, “It’s getting worse around here. These stores are vital for the community, and they keep getting hit.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 101, quoting reference CR/205417/25, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
