Imperial Security provides retail security guards across Havering, covering high street shops, department stores, shopping centres and independent retailers from Romford to Hornchurch, Upminster and Harold Hill. Our SIA-licensed guards work store entrances, shop floors and stockrooms for fashion retailers, grocery stores, electronics shops and shopping centre units, handling everything from routine customer monitoring to shoplifting incidents and till-point disputes.
Havering's town centres carry a mix of national chains and independent traders, and each needs a guard who can hold a friendly, professional presence while staying alert to theft and disorder.
Havering recorded around 2,200 shoplifting offences over the past year, with Romford town centre identified as the borough's most affected area and Hornchurch and Elm Park also reporting a rise in incidents. Local police have run targeted operations in response, including a partnership initiative in Harold Hill that led to more than 130 arrests and cut local shoplifting by over 41%, and Criminal Behaviour Orders against repeat offenders in Elm Park. Retailers across the borough have responded by adding CCTV, securing high-value stock and bringing in extra security staff, and that is where a visible, well-trained guard on the shop floor makes the difference between a deterred attempt and a loss.
Our guards are trained to manage this environment without turning a shop into an unwelcome place to browse. They combine theft prevention with genuine customer service, so shoppers get a helpful, reassuring presence rather than a heavy-handed one, and staff get consistent backup when a situation escalates.
7 Day Rolling Contract
No hidden fees, hassle free, Flexible. Not locked into a long-term contract. Easy to scale up or down
Sector Specific Experience
Each security guard is selected based on experience relevant to that specific sector
Street Wise & Vigilant
Local, street-smart expertly trained to protect & deter threats. Confident & observant
| What Our Havering Retail Security Service Provides
Havering's retail sites range from small boutiques on Romford's high street to large units inside The Brewery shopping centre, and each duty below is delivered around that building type.
Visual deterrence
Our guards hold a strong, visible presence at store entrances and throughout the shop floor, using routine patrols and clear positioning to discourage theft and disorder before it starts.
Customer safety
We keep shoppers comfortable and safe, managing crowding at busy times and stepping in quickly if a dispute or safety issue arises on the shop floor.
Theft prevention
Our guards are trained to spot suspicious behaviour, monitor CCTV where fitted, and respond to a shoplifting incident calmly and without disrupting trade.
Emergency response
In a fire, evacuation or medical emergency, our guards follow set procedures and work alongside Havering's emergency services to keep staff and shoppers safe.
Incident reporting
Every shift ends with a detailed incident log and daily report, giving you a clear record of activity on site to support risk decisions and future planning.
Tailored deployment
We match guards to your retail setting, whether a fashion chain, grocery store or electronics retailer, with flexible scheduling built around your trading hours.
| Who We Provide Retail Security For In Havering
Havering's retail mix means we work with a wide range of buyers, from independent shop owners to centre management teams.
Independent boutiques
Small shops in Romford and Hornchurch often lack in-house security, so they need a guard who can cover entrance monitoring and stock protection without crowding a small retail floor.
Department stores
Larger stores need guards who can cover multiple floors and fitting room areas, coordinate with loss prevention teams and manage busy weekend footfall.
Shopping centres
Centres such as The Brewery need guards experienced in high footfall environments, working across common areas and individual units without disrupting the customer experience.
Local retailers
Grocery stores and convenience retailers across the borough need consistent, friendly guards who know regular customers from repeat offenders.
| The Security Problems We Solve In Havering
Havering's town centres have seen a rise in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, and retailers are responding with more CCTV and more security staff on the shop floor. That shift is behind most of the enquiries we get from shops and centres across the borough.
Repeat shoplifting
A small number of known offenders account for a large share of theft incidents on Havering high streets. Our guards learn to recognise repeat individuals and coordinate with store management on banning notices and evidence for the police.
Anti-social behaviour near entrances
Loitering and disorder near shop entrances can put customers off entering. Our guards manage entrance areas directly, engaging early and calmly to keep the frontage welcoming.
Staff facing abuse or threats
Retail staff across the borough have reported abuse and threats from shoplifters. Having a guard on site gives staff immediate backup and reduces the pressure on them to intervene alone.
High-value stock loss
Electronics and fashion retailers carrying higher-value stock are a common target. Our guards focus attention on vulnerable displays and work with staff on secure merchandising during busy trading periods.
| Why Choose Imperial Security In Havering
Local knowledge that matters
We understand the pattern of retail crime across Havering's town centres, from Romford's high shoplifting volumes to the smaller, more occasional incidents seen in Hornchurch and Upminster, and we brief guards accordingly.
We cover retail sites across Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Harold Hill, Elm Park and the surrounding Havering postcodes.
Experience with high footfall sites
Our guards are experienced in large footfall environments such as The Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford, where balancing visible security with a smooth customer experience is essential.
Vetting, licensing and insurance
Every guard we place on a Havering assignment meets our company standards.
- Valid SIA licensing: appropriate to the role & verified qualifications
- BS 7858 compliant vetting: five-year employment & education history
- Enhanced DBS checks: The level appropriate for your sector
- Professional reference verification: All previous security employers
- Insurance: Public liability, employers' liability & professional indemnity
- First aid trained: Emergency response & CPR certified
- ACT counter-terrorism awareness training: Threat recognition & response certified
| How Our Havering Service Operates
01
Initial consultation
We discuss your store layout, trading hours and the specific issues you are facing, whether that is shoplifting, anti-social behaviour or general customer safety.
02
Site assessment
We assess entrances, blind spots and stock areas to identify where a guard's presence and attention are most needed.
03
Guard matching
We select guards with relevant retail experience, briefed on known local shoplifting patterns and repeat offenders where this information is available.
04
Deployment
Guards are placed on site to your schedule, covering peak trading hours, weekends or full opening hours as needed.
05
Ongoing monitoring
Guards monitor the shop floor and entrances throughout the shift, responding to incidents and keeping communication open with your management team.
06
Reporting and review
You receive daily incident reports, and we review deployment regularly to make sure cover still matches your store's needs.
Get your free Havering retail security quote
Send us your store address or postcode, the type of retail unit, your preferred start date, the hours you need covered, the number of entrances and what has prompted the enquiry.
Call us on 0208 088 2878, or send your details through the quote form and we will come back to you with a written proposal.
Related services and nearby areas
See our full service page on retail security, or other cover in the area: all Havering security services, key holding in Havering, CCTV monitoring in Havering, retail security in Barking, retail security in Ilford, retail security in Redbridge.