Gangs on Lime bikes have been targeting luxury cars in London’s most affluent areas in a strange new crime wave.
Thieves have been smashing windscreens and making off with parcel shelves, the removable interior part that sits behind the rear car seats in the boot.
The stolen parts are believed to fetch up to £150 in online resales with many ending up on eBay.
Videos from residents living in targeted areas shows some thieves circling on a bike near a black Mercedes before smashing the rear window and fleeing with the shelves.
One impacted local from Highgate, who did not want to be named, said his Mercedes car was targeted in the early hours of July 12.
The 37-year-old, who has been a resident there for four years, said the break-ins have become a regular occurrence in recent months, particularly on North Hill, View Road and Church Road.
Friday nights appear to the time period where thieving is rife.
‘I got a notification on my phone saying that my car had been broken into. They smashed the windscreen and only took the parcel shelf,’ the resident said.
‘They go and smash in the rear-view glass and steal the parcel shelves to sell them on.
‘We believe they are using Lime bikes, smashing the windows and riding off.’
He added the theft was shocking, but unsurprising after his neighbours were also targeted. He now keeps his parcel shelf indoors.
The Metropolitan Police shared advice for residents on MetEngage, an online service providing updates on local crime, urging people to remain vigilant.
To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro’s London news hub.
The police describe the bizarre crime wave as ‘an upsetting experience’ but said it is ‘determined to find and arrest those who break the law’.
It offered advice including double-checking car doors are locked each night, keep keys out of view, turn off wireless signals for keyless entry vehicles, and removing all personal items out of sight.
Vandals on bikes is not the only strange method of targeting victims and causing terror in local areas.
Earlier this month, places of worships appeared to be victim to vandals after faeces was smeared on several synagogues and a Jewish school in London.
One gang used chainsaws to cut through metal shutters to steal £2 million worth of items, though they were later jailed after committing at least 100 burglaries in three years.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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