Darts prodigy Luke Littler faced an unexpected setback when vandals targeted his vehicle during a recent competition in Norwich. The 18-year-old world champion discovered his van’s rear window had been smashed while he was competing in the MODUS Icons of Darts exhibition event on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Littler didn’t mince words when addressing the incident on social media, labeling the perpetrators as “absolute scum of the earth.”
The shocking discovery after a tournament victory
After defeating rival Luke Humphries at the prestigious exhibition match, Littler returned to find his black Mercedes van vandalized in what appears to be a random act of destruction. The incident has sparked outrage among fans and fellow competitors, highlighting the disturbing trend of vehicle vandalism that continues to plague communities nationwide.
A rising star targeted
Since becoming the youngest-ever darts world champion in January 2025, Littler has skyrocketed to fame in the sporting world. “When athletes reach this level of visibility, they unfortunately become targets,” explains David Reynolds, a sports security consultant. “These incidents can be particularly jarring because they invade the personal space of someone who’s simply doing their job.”
Norwich’s ongoing battle with property crime
This incident takes place against a backdrop of concerning crime statistics in Norwich. The city has struggled with above-average rates of vandalism and property damage, with vehicle-related crimes remaining a persistent issue for local authorities.
“These senseless acts of destruction are like hurricanes in someone’s life – they arrive without warning, cause significant damage, and leave emotional debris long after the physical mess is cleaned up,” says Emma Thornton, criminal psychologist specializing in vandalism cases.
The community response
Fans and fellow darts players have rallied around Littler, offering support and condemning the vandalism. The darts community, often likened to a close-knit family, has responded with characteristic solidarity. “In darts, we look after our own,” remarked veteran player Raymond van Barneveld, who was also participating in the Norwich exhibition.
Protecting yourself from vehicle vandalism
Experts recommend several key strategies to minimize your risk:
- Always park in well-lit areas with high visibility
- Consider investing in car cameras or alarm systems
- Remove all valuables from plain sight
- Report suspicious activity immediately
The digital dimension
Littler’s decision to share the incident with his 1.9 million Instagram followers raises questions about privacy and technology concerns. Celebrity locations are increasingly trackable through social media, creating new vulnerabilities in an increasingly connected world.
Beyond the broken glass
The implications of such incidents extend beyond mere property damage. They represent an invasion of personal security that can leave lasting psychological impacts. Like a chess player whose board has been upended mid-game, athletes face not just the practical inconvenience but the emotional disruption of such violations.
What happens next?
Norfolk Constabulary has been approached for comment, though investigations into such cases face several challenges:
- Limited witness testimony in parking areas
- Minimal surveillance in many public venues
- Difficulty identifying suspects without clear evidence
Will this incident change how sporting events approach security for participants? As Littler continues his meteoric rise in the darts world, this unfortunate chapter serves as a reminder that fame often comes with unexpected costs. For every bright spotlight, there lurks an unwelcome shadow – but champions like Littler seem determined not to let such senseless acts dim their achievements.