In affluent neighborhoods of north London, a surge in criminal activity has been observed, with thieves targeting parked cars during the night to steal parcel shelves. Residents in Primrose Hill, Kentish Town, and Highgate have recently experienced incidents where their cars’ rear windscreens were smashed, and parcel shelves were stolen. These items are being singled out due to their easy removal and potential resale value of up to £150 online.
A Highgate resident, aged 37, shared his account of the crime, revealing that his Mercedes was broken into on July 12 around 5:30 am. He mentioned that similar thefts are frequent on North Hill, View Road, and Church Road, usually occurring on Friday nights. According to him, thieves target the rear windows, specifically to steal parcel shelves, which are then sold on platforms like eBay through a “steal-to-order” method.
Various car models, including Hyundais, Minis, Jaguars, and Vauxhalls, have also fallen victim to these targeted thefts. Concerned locals are now taking precautions by removing and safeguarding their parcel shelves indoors during the night, as replacement costs can amount to hundreds of pounds.
The anonymous resident expressed his shock at the incidents but stated that he and his neighbors have taken proactive measures to protect their belongings. Following multiple break-ins in the area, residents are maintaining vigilance and securing their property. The Metropolitan Police have issued warnings about these thefts on their online service, MetEngage, urging car owners to park in well-lit areas or private garages to deter criminals.
The Highgate Society, a local residents’ association, highlighted the recent spate of thefts in the North Hill area and advised residents to park in visible areas with possible camera surveillance. They suggested keeping parcel shelves indoors temporarily and avoiding leaving valuables in cars to mitigate the risk of further incidents.