Paul Whitehouse, the actor and comedian best known for The Fast Show and Gone Fishing, was the victim of a street robbery attempt at a cash machine in north London over the weekend, his wife has said.
What happened
Dr Mine Conkbayir posted on Instagram that Whitehouse went out to collect medication for her after she had a bad reaction to a treatment. While using a cashpoint tucked beside the Sainsbury’s Local on Essex Road, Islington, he was approached by someone who tried to steal his bank card.
Conkbayir wrote that her husband resisted the thief, managed to take back his card and that the attacker fled without taking anything. She said the episode left the family shaken and urged others to take care.
"be super vigilant"
Reaction from peers and public
The post attracted messages of support from fellow performers and members of the public, who expressed concern for the couple and condemned the attack. Comments referenced the frightening unpredictability of being targeted while vulnerable in public spaces.
Whitehouse, 68, has a high public profile through his long television career and recent projects. The family’s decision to share details of the incident appears aimed at raising awareness rather than seeking publicity.
Local context and community response
Essex Road is a busy shopping street in Islington, frequently used by residents running errands and travelling to nearby amenities. Incidents at cash machines can amplify fear because they strike at a routine activity many consider safe.
People who live and work nearby told WE NEWS they were alarmed by the report. A shop assistant on Essex Road said they had noticed more people using contactless payments and fewer withdrawing cash in recent years, but added concerns over street-level petty crime had not disappeared.
Practical information
Police were not quoted directly in the family’s post; readers who witness a crime or are a victim are advised to contact the Metropolitan Police via 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if there is an immediate threat to life or safety. Banks can cancel cards and advise on emergency replacements.
- If you are threatened at an ATM, prioritise your safety and call for help rather than resist unless you believe you can escape without risk.
- Consider using contactless or cardless payment options where possible to reduce the need to withdraw cash.
- Report suspicious activity to store staff or the police and keep any witness details for investigators.
Incident summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Paul Whitehouse (actor, comedian) |
| Location | Cashpoint beside Sainsbury's Local, Essex Road, Islington |
| Outcome | Card recovered; suspect fled empty-handed |
| Source | Instagram post by Dr Mine Conkbayir |
Why this matters locally
Attempts to steal cards at cash machines are not new, but they attract attention when they involve high-profile residents. The incident reinforces concerns about opportunistic crime on busy streets and the psychological impact on victims.
For neighbours and commuters, the message from the family is straightforward and immediate: take precautions when carrying out everyday tasks. Local policing teams frequently run community briefings where residents can raise safety concerns and hear about crime-prevention measures; details of meetings are normally available via the council or local police social channels.
As this story develops, WE NEWS will update readers with any information from the Metropolitan Police and comment from the wider community on steps being taken to address street-level crime in Islington.
