Crime Desk

Police in Camden are appealing for information and advising members of the public, and particularly those from the LGBT community, to be diligent when accepting drinks from strangers, after a man had his drink spiked and personal property stolen.

On Saturday, 5 June 2024 at approximately 03:00hrs, a 46-year-old man left a LGBT friendly venue on Charing Cross Road, WC2H. He was walking in Shaftsbury Avenue when a male suspect approached and befriended him. The suspect was flirty and tactile and walked with the victim, subsequently accompanying him to a cash point machine.

The victim withdrew some money and the suspect is believed to have taken this opportunity to make a note of the victim's pin number.

The suspect was subsequently joined by a second male, who claimed to be a relative of his.

The second suspect produced a bottle of what he said was whiskey from his pocket and the suspects were insistent that the victim have a drink from the bottle. After drinking from the bottle, the victim became stupefied.

The victim woke up in a hotel in Ilford approximately ten hours later and discovered that while he had been drugged, his debit cards had been defrauded.

The suspects are believed to be Eastern European men, aged in their 20s.

No arrests yet and enquiries continue.

Detective Constable Jim Morrison from Camden police said: "Whilst incidents such as this are rare, we advise members of the community to be very careful when accepting drinks from strangers and to be vigilant regarding their own purchased drinks.

"Anyone with information relating to these offences is urged to call Camden CID on 020 8733 5935 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Any information provided will be treated in confidence. "