In affluent neighborhoods of north London, a recent surge in criminal activity involves thieves targeting parked cars at night to steal parcel shelves. Residents in areas like Primrose Hill, Kentish Town, and Highgate have been waking up to find their rear car windows smashed and the shelves missing. These items are chosen for their ease of removal and can be resold online for up to £150.
A Highgate resident, aged 37, recounted an incident where his Mercedes was broken into early one morning. The thefts seem to be concentrated on North Hill, View Road, and Church Road, often occurring on Friday nights. The resident shared that a notification alerted him to the break-in, revealing that only the parcel shelf was taken, a pattern seen among other affected neighbors.
According to the resident, thieves are targeting specific car models and selling the stolen shelves on eBay. The criminals are believed to be using Lime bikes for quick getaways after smashing the car windows. Various car brands such as Hyundai, Mini, Jaguar, and Vauxhall have also been reported as targets in the area.
Due to the ongoing thefts, locals are now taking precautions by removing and storing their parcel shelves indoors at night to prevent further losses. The Metropolitan Police have addressed the issue on their online platform, urging vehicle owners to park in secure locations and utilize well-lit areas or police-approved car parks.
The Highgate Society, a local residents’ association, has expressed concern over the recent thefts in the area, advising residents to park where surveillance cameras are present and to keep valuable items out of sight. They recommend safeguarding parcel shelves indoors for a period and emphasize the importance of car security.
As the community remains vigilant, efforts are being made to combat the criminal activity and protect residents from further incidents.