Frank Skinner's Lexus Targeted in London's Bizarre Parcel Shelf Crime Wave
Comedian Frank Skinner has become the latest victim of a peculiar crime wave sweeping through London's most affluent neighbourhoods, revealing that thieves smashed the rear window of his Lexus to steal the vehicle's parcel shelf. The 69-year-old entertainer, who lives in north London, was forced to cover his shattered window with bin bags and gaffer tape after the incident this week.
An Expensive and Growing Problem
Skinner discovered the motivation behind these thefts when he researched replacement costs. 'I had a look to see what a new parcel shelf from Lexus would cost. £805. So that's why they're stealing them,' he explained. This revelation highlights why criminals are targeting what might seem like an unlikely item.
The theft forms part of a significant surge in parcel shelf crimes across wealthy north London areas including:
- Muswell Hill
- Primrose Hill
- Highgate
- Kentish Town
Police forces and community Facebook groups have been inundated with reports in recent months, with thieves reportedly operating on a 'steal-to-order' basis while riding Lime Bikes.
A Criminal Feedback Loop
Experts explain that thieves are essentially creating their own market for second-hand parcel shelves. As victims must purchase replacements for stolen items, criminals can resell the shelves on platforms like eBay and Gumtree for between £50 and £150.
Professor Emmeline Taylor, an expert in acquisitive and retail crime at City, University of London, told the Telegraph: 'These days, everything that used to be stealable from a vehicle is integrated into the car itself. The parcel shelf is probably the last thing that can easily be removed. It's a case of a criminal feedback loop, where the very crime itself is creating the market for the stolen product.'
This phenomenon occurs because modern vehicles have integrated traditional targets like stereos and sat-navs into dashboards, making them difficult to remove without causing damage.
Skinner's Frustrating Experience
On his podcast, Skinner shared further details about the incident, expressing frustration about potentially buying back his own stolen property. 'I'm not running the risk that I'm buying my own back. It's not like a hostage thing where I give in and send them the money,' he said, adding that purchasing a replacement might simply invite another break-in.
This marks the second time Skinner's Lexus has been targeted recently, with police informing him that Lexus vehicles have 'just edged ahead of Land Rovers as the most stolen cars in London.' The comedian, who co-wrote the famous Three Lions football anthem, remarked that it feels like thieves are 'stealing my car in instalments.'
After the break-in, Skinner had to wait 48 hours for an insurance repairman, who ultimately provided a temporary solution while criticizing Skinner's makeshift plastic bag covering. 'So not only did he not have the window, but he dissed my plastic bag work,' Skinner quipped.
A Widespread Issue Affecting Multiple Vehicle Brands
Skinner is far from alone in experiencing this bizarre crime. Numerous car owners in Primrose Hill, Kentish Town, and Highgate have reported similar incidents. One anonymous 37-year-old Highgate resident described receiving a notification that his Mercedes had been broken into at around 5:30am on July 12, 2025.
The resident, who has lived in the area for four years, noted that break-ins are particularly common on North Hill, View Road, and Church Road, often occurring on Friday nights. Local mechanics confirmed that several owners of the same vehicle model had been targeted.
Affected vehicles aren't limited to luxury brands. The crime wave has impacted:
- Lexus
- Mercedes
- Hyundais
- Minis
- Jaguars
- Vauxhalls
The Highgate resident explained: '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.' Following his own experience, he now keeps his parcel shelf indoors, a precaution many neighbours have adopted.
Community Response and Police Action
The Highgate Society issued warnings earlier this month after thieves struck five times in three weeks, 'mainly in daylight.' They advised residents to 'keep parcel shelves indoors for a few weeks' as a preventative measure.
The Metropolitan Police have been reviewing CCTV footage and conducting targeted controls in affected residential areas. A police spokesperson stated: 'Having personal items stolen from your vehicle is an upsetting experience and we are determined to find and arrest those who break the law.'
Police recommendations for vehicle owners include:
- Parking in private garages whenever possible
- Choosing well-lit open spaces if garage parking isn't available
- Selecting areas covered by CCTV surveillance
As Skinner observed, car owners in his neighbourhood have adapted to the new reality: 'So now you see people walking away from their cars in my road with their parcel shelves under their arms.' This unusual sight underscores how a seemingly minor automotive component has become the latest target in London's evolving crime landscape.
