Undercover police in Romford have taken their crime-fighting efforts to new lengths, now pursuing criminals on bikes bought from a toy store. 

Romford Business Improvement District (BID) has bought four bikes from the Smyths Toys Superstore in The Brewery shopping centre as part of a joint effort with the Metropolitan Police to tackle crime in the town centre. 

The bikes are expected to help address anti-social behaviour, theft, and drug-related activities in the area.

A BID spokesperson said that within 40 minutes of undercover officers having the bikes, two suspects were arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs. 

Sgt Aaron Harris, of the Romford Town Centre policing team, said: "Use of these bikes when we are patrolling in plain clothes will give us the ability to respond to calls faster and will put us a far better position to stop and apprehend criminals.

"Crime in our town centre will not be tolerated and anyone committing crimes against local people, visitors or business will be seeing us soon.

"We will continue to use every resource available to us to make Romford town centre unattractive to criminals.”

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Sgt Harris thanked Romford BID director Julie Frost for providing the funding for the bikes, which he believes will be a "huge advantage in fighting local crime". 

Julie said: “I truly hope this initiative helps visitors and our community feel safer, knowing that steps are being taken to address anti-social behaviour and prevent crime.

"By working together with the local police force, we're committed to restoring confidence and making Romford a welcoming and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.”