Camden Town man who preyed on gay men jailed for burglary

A man who preyed on gay men in a string of burglaries in London has been jailed, as police urge other possible victims to come forward.

Reda Zahri, 22, approached his victims in the street and often engaged in sexual activity before stealing their belongings, the Met Police said.

In one of the three burglaries, he stole more than £25,000 from one man.

Zahri was jailed for 11 years and six months after admitting three counts of burglary and false imprisonment.

He also admitted attempting to commit robbery relating to three different men.

Detectives tracked Zahri down after he stole items from a man he had met in Camden.

The victim had Zahri's Instragram handle and showed this to officers.

Zahri, of Haverstock Road, Camden Town, initially refused to answer any questions after he was arrested on 12 May 2022.

He also lied about his age and claimed he was 17 years old, police said.

Det Con Nigel Pacquette said: "All three of Zahri's victims were gay men, making clear that he was preying on members of the gay community."

"It is entirely plausible that Zahri targeted other people who, for whatever reason, have not had the confidence to come forward and report this," he added.

Zahri was jailed at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.

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