Romford BID Appoints My Local Bobby to Improve Safety in the Town
I wanted to say that we have just had our stock loss result in for the end of our financial year. This was the best result we have had in a long time at -1.83%. This is a fantastic result especially in the current climate and the stores’ location. This has been helped no end by the work that you have done in the town along with My Local Bobby – uniform and under cover teams. The town has been brought together to battle crime and anti-social behaviour. Long may this continue. - Ian Woolley, Primark Store Manager
Romford BID has been working with My Local Bobby since 2023. My Local Bobby provides a reassuring and visible presence across Romford through regular patrols. The wardens take a proactive and direct approach to dealing with incidents as they arise. Romford BID patrol officers maintain consistent communication with BID members to manage and reduce threats, anti-social behaviour, and other issues that may disrupt business activity.
Since MLB have been employed in Romford, we have had extra support as a centre from them, they attend when necessary and help our security staff assisting with crime in and around the centre. Everyone on site has built up a fantastic working relationship with them and we are truly grateful in the support to fight crime around the town. - Jon Guerriero, Soft Service Manager, The Liberty.
My Local Bobby will provide a reassuring presence throughout Romford with regular patrols and will be proactive and direct in dealing with issues when they arise. Romford’s two main Bobbies will be Chris Levy and Khan Hunter. They will maintain regular contact with BID members to manage and reduce threats, anti-social behaviour and other matters that disrupt business activity.
One thing in retail is trying to keep yourself and your staff safe. With MLB about, you have that secondary back up if needed. As a solo guard I can't thank them enough and I appreciate them daily. MLB are shutting down the theft and violence at a steady pace. - Wez Smith, B&M
The Bobbys work closely with the BID and local businesses to address issues such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, while also offering support and assistance to residents and shoppers throughout the town centre. Gathering intelligence is a core part of the initiative. The Bobbys collect information and evidence to support TM Eye, the Police Services and Havering Council, enabling the effective targeting of persistent offenders.
The organisation was co-founded in 2016 by former Met Police Detective Chief Superintendent David McKelvey and delivers public realm security services across various locations in London and other parts of the UK. All wardens are accredited by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), requiring them to undergo training from an approved provider, as well as criminal record checks and thorough vetting. They also receive additional training in trauma response, duty of care, making citizen’s arrests, and the safe use of handcuffs.
MLB have not only made an impactful change regarding crime (even violence) in Romford, they have become an integral part of Romford's Safety and Security detail. From recovering stolen items, to protecting Sports Direct staff from violent shoplifters, they continue to keep Romford safe with the utmost professionalism. Thank you guys. - A B Bisiriyu, Sports Direct.
In May 2025, Romford BID announced a major increase to the town’s investment with My Local Bobby. The landlords of The Liberty and The Brewery shopping centres each pledged £50,000 to support and expand the initiative, doubling the number of Bobbies from two to four. This increased investment means Romford will now benefit from MLB coverage seven days a week, with four officers on duty on four of those days. The expanded team includes existing officer Chris Levy, joined by new recruits Muhammad Islam, Tyler Morrison, and Ricky Averkiou - further strengthening Romford BID’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming and safe town centre.
Can we pass on our thanks to you and the MLB team Chris and Khan. We had a violent male in the centre on Tuesday last week, the team at the liberty had to restrain the male and assistance was requested. Chris and Khan were first on the scene and helped to calm the situation, police did attend, and the male was arrested and was believed to have left prison a few days earlier. From a personal point Chris and Khan are an asset to the town, and their presence can have a calming effect to any situation, if you could pass on our thanks to them. A brilliant idea to introduce them to the town. - Tony Allerston, Operations Manager at The Liberty Shopping Centre
Meet the MLB Team
Chris Levy – Romford BID Patrol Officer
Chris has been a dedicated member of the Romford patrol team for nearly two years, and his presence has become a trusted constant across the BID area. Whether supporting shop staff, deterring theft, or engaging with members of the public, Chris’s professionalism and reliability have left a real mark on the community.
Chris has assisted in dozens of live incidents, from managing crowd disturbances to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and providing critical first-on-scene support. He’s also built strong rapport with local retailers, ensuring that concerns are flagged early and handled discreetly.
His friendly nature makes him approachable, yet his attention to detail means very little escapes his watch. Businesses in Romford know they can count on him, and his record of incident response and partnership working proves it.
Ricky Averkiou – Romford BID Patrol Officer
We’re pleased to welcome Ricky to the Romford team. With over 13 years of experience as a Metropolitan Police Officer, Ricky has dealt with everything from high-profile public order operations to major crime response.
He brings a calm, measured approach to frontline patrols, and a deep understanding of how to keep public spaces secure.
Whether dealing with conflict, engaging with the public, or supporting the BID, his professional background will be a huge asset.
We’re excited to have him on board as he begins his next chapter with the Romford BID and My Local Bobby.
Muhammad Islam – Romford BID Patrol Officer
Joining the team in Romford, Muhammad brings a well-rounded background in both enforcement and care-based frontline roles.
A former police constable with experience in NHS security and mental health response, he’s well-equipped for the challenges of town centre patrols.
With strong communication skills, situational awareness, and a calm manner, Muhammed is ready to support the public, respond to incidents, and work closely with BID partners to keep Romford safe.
Welcome to the team!
