A surge in criminal activity is impacting affluent neighborhoods in northern London, where thieves are targeting parked cars at night to steal parcel shelves. Residents in Primrose Hill, Kentish Town, and Highgate have recently discovered their rear windscreens smashed and shelves missing, suspected to be a quick and profitable theft as these items can be resold online for up to £150.
A Highgate resident, aged 37, shared his experience of a break-in on July 12 around 5.30 am, where only the parcel shelf was taken after the car’s windscreen was smashed. Similar incidents have been reported on North Hill, View Road, and Church Road, often occurring on Friday nights.
According to the resident, thieves are exploiting the situation by selling the stolen shelves on eBay, following a pattern of breaking the rear windows of cars, particularly targeting Mercedes vehicles. Other targeted vehicles include Hyundais, Minis, Jaguars, and Vauxhalls in the area.
In response to the escalating thefts, locals are now securing their shelves indoors at night to prevent further losses, considering the high cost of replacements. The Highgate Society and Metropolitan Police have both issued warnings and advice to the community to safeguard their vehicles and personal belongings.
The Metropolitan Police, through their online platform MetEngage, emphasized the importance of securing vehicles in well-lit areas or private garages to deter criminals. The Highgate Society advised residents to park where visible cameras are present and recommended storing parcel shelves indoors temporarily to combat the theft trend.