A prolific handbag thief from south east London has been banned from every pub, club and restaurant within the M25 for 10 years.

Jhonatan Palomares Strat, from Peckham, can only enter any of these premises if he has a pre-arranged booking or is there for work or an interview.

Peruvian Palomares Strat has 30 convictions for bag theft and possession of criminal property in London between 2018-2020 amounting to more than £40,000.

He targeted licensed premises within London and used distraction theft techniques, such as replacing goods with a replica or ‘dummy’ in order to make his getaway.

The 36 year old has now been jailed for three and a half years following a lengthy joint investigation between the City of London Police Force Resolution Centre and the Metropolitan Police CE Neighbourhoods Tasking Team.

Appearing at Wood Green Crown Court for sentence, the court was told he had pleaded guilty to 25 counts of theft and one count of possessing criminal property.

Along with the jail term he was also subject to a deprivation order of more than £1500.

He was given a 10 year criminal behaviour order banning him from entering any licensed bar, club, pub or eat-in only restaurant without a pre-made verifiable appointment or booking, unless for a prearranged legitimate work purpose such as an interview or work, within the inner boundary of the M25 Greater London.

He will also be eligible for deportation back to his home country of Peru on completion of his sentence.

Inspector Caroline Hay, City of London Police, said: “This is a great example of how joint working between forces actively removes criminals from our streets.

"While the physical impact of Palomares Strat’s crimes is clear to see, the emotional impact of those he targeted is likely to be far greater.

"The total losses from these crimes have been estimated in excess of £40,000, but to the victims, the loss of photos, keepsakes and sentimental items will be priceless.

“Palomares Strat was a prolific offender whose crimes spanned a number of years.

"As lockdown eases and more people return to hospitality venues in the City we want criminals to know that behaviour like this will not be tolerated and our officers will do everything in their power to catch and convict offenders.”