Romford Security Team Stars in New Channel 5 Doc on Shoplifting Crisis
A Romford security squad is about to hit TV screens nationwide in a gripping new Channel 5 documentary exposing the UK’s spiralling shoplifting epidemic. The show, tentatively titled “Hunting the Shoplifters”, was filmed on March 7 and is set to air this May.
Real-Life Crime Busts Caught on Camera
The cameras followed local heroes Chris Levy and Khan Hunter from Romford’s My Local Bobby security team. These frontline operatives patrol the streets tackling shoplifting and antisocial behaviour head-on. Footage includes a nail-biting live incident at B&M, where the team sprung into action amidst chaotic scenes.
Julie Frost, head of the Romford Business Improvement District (BID), revealed the documentary crew shadowed the team all day. She said,
“Straight away, we got outside and there was an issue at B&M, so they went and sorted that out—you see the cameraman running along chasing the bobbies!”
More footage was caught near Asda Express on South Street, showing Chris Levy engaging directly with the public during patrols.
Police and BID Join Forces on Crime
The Havering Police backed the documentary, supplying crucial CCTV and bodycam footage. They also arranged an interview with one of their sergeants, spotlighting the strong partnership tackling retail crime in the area.
“Romford often gets a bad name for crime, but so much is being done that people don’t know is happening. We’re proud of our partnerships and wanted to showcase this in the documentary.” – Julie Frost
Since August 2023, Romford BID has teamed up with My Local Bobby, working hand-in-hand with businesses and Havering Council to find and nab prolific offenders — often using undercover ops.
Highlighting a Nationwide Shoplifting Surge
The documentary will zoom out to show Romford’s battle as part of a nationwide retail crime surge. It aims to shine a light on innovative community patrols, business leaders, and local authorities fighting to keep Britain’s high streets safe.
Raw Cut Television and Zinc Media Group are producing the show, but official details and air dates remain under wraps for now. Stay tuned as we bring you the inside scoop on Romford’s crime-fighting crusade hitting your screens soon.
