Lime bike gang spree targets luxury cars in London's posh suburbs

A new crime wave is unfolding in some of London's most affluent neighborhoods, where thieves riding Lime bikes are smashing rear windscreens to steal parcel shelves from luxury cars. Residents in Primrose Hill, Kentish Town and Highgate have reported vehicles vandalised in recent months, with shelves removed and later traded online.

Among the victims was a 37-year-old Highgate man who reported his Mercedes was targeted at about 5:30 a.m. on July 12. He told reporters that the thief appeared on a Lime bike, circled the car, then struck the rear window and grabbed the parcel shelf before riding away. CCTV captured the moment the thief looked into the boot before taking the shelf. Officials said other makes including Hyundais, Minis, Jaguars and Vauxhalls have also been hit, and that the shelves often fetch around £150 on marketplaces such as ebay, far less than replacement costs.

Some residents have started removing parcel shelves overnight or storing them indoors to thwart thefts. The frequency is underscored by local groups: The Highgate Society noted five thefts in three weeks, largely on North Hill, View Road and Church Road, with many incidents occurring on Friday nights. They urged homeowners to park in sight of cameras when possible and not to leave valuables in cars. Authorities echoed the caution, with the Metropolitan Police posting safety guidance on MetEngage, advising owners to park in private garages if possible, or in well-lit spaces, and to use Park Mark car parks when available.

Police said they are continuing to investigate and urged residents to report suspicious activity. The Metropolitan Police noted that stolen parcel shelves have been found online, including on marketplaces such as ebay, underscoring a broader pattern of opportunistic property crime linked to online resale sites.