In 1825, William Barritt had 16 shillings stolen when his pocket was picked at Fairlop Fair. James Purkis was apprehended and sentenced to three months in jail.

In 1826, magistrates continued discussions about suppressing the fair, which were criticised by the press, who referred to the authorities as the 'Great Unpaid'. One commentator suggested that if the police supported the fair instead of attempting to shut it down, potential issues might be avoided.

Mr. Burell entrusted his bay mare to a man named Pearson, who was caring for several other horses belonging to fair attendees. The mare was tied to a tree, but two hours later, it was missing and Pearson was unaware of its whereabouts. The following day, William Johnson appeared at the City Repository with the missing horse and attempted to sell it. Eager to make a quick sale, Johnson sold it at a low price to a man involved in the horse trade. On his way home with the horse, the new owner encountered Mr. Burell, which resulted in charges being brought against William Johnson for horse theft. A jury subsequently found the nineteen-year-old Johnson guilty.