Julia Lopez MP has welcomed firm reassurance from the Metropolitan Police that Hornchurch Police Station is considered safe for the foreseeable future, bringing to a close a long-running campaign to protect the local police base.
The confirmation follows sustained engagement by the MP with the Met Commissioner’s Office and a recent meeting with local police leaders, including Superintendent Sharon Brind. This comes after years of uncertainty dating back to 2017, when Mayor of London Sadiq Khan first announced plans to sell off a number of police stations, including Hornchurch.
While the Metropolitan Police’s recently published Estates Strategy was unclear on the future of some sites, Julia Lopez sought specific assurances on Hornchurch’s status. She has now been informed that the station is not on any list of proposed closures and, based on current information, is expected to remain operational.
As a result, an officer base will continue to be located in Hornchurch, maintaining a visible and important policing presence for local residents and businesses. This includes Havering Joint Task Force officers, who play a key role in tackling offences such as car theft and burglary. Without the station, policing in the area would have relied more heavily on response and patrol officers based in Romford.
Julia Lopez MP said the update meant that active campaigning to retain the station could now pause, while she continues to monitor the situation closely.
“I am pleased to have received reassurance that Hornchurch Police Station is considered safe for the foreseeable future,” said Julia Lopez MP. “A local police base matters to our community and to the officers who serve it. I am grateful to residents who supported the campaign over many years, and I welcome the confirmation that Hornchurch will remain an important part of local policing.”
The meeting also covered wider policing priorities in Havering. Superintendent Brind highlighted progress against repeat offenders, particularly those targeting small shops, with police hopeful that several individuals could face significant custodial sentences following detailed investigative work.
Police also reported strong progress in tackling tool theft, now recognised as organised crime. This work is being led locally by Inspector Mark Connelly, with officers working alongside manufacturers to share information, build intelligence and better target organised dealers.
Superintendent Brind also stressed the importance of residents sharing Ring doorbell and other home surveillance footage directly with the police. While such footage is proving invaluable in securing convictions, officers warned that posting it on social media first can render it inadmissible in court. Early access to footage strengthens investigations and acts as a deterrent by demonstrating that neighbourhoods are well monitored.
Residents are encouraged to report incidents and upload footage directly via the Metropolitan Police website and to engage with local policing updates through the Met’s new Engage platform.
