Algerian Teenager Facing Extended Jail Time for Machete Robberies

A 19-year-old Algerian teenager, Zacariah Boulares, is facing additional jail time after admitting to using a machete in two separate incidents involving the theft and attempted theft of luxury watches. Boulares is currently serving a 22-month sentence for earlier offenses.

On August 9, 2023, when he was 16, Boulares used a large bladed weapon to rob Mark Turner of his watch in Kensington Square Gardens, west London. Ten days later, he attempted to steal a Rolex from Dutch executive Neil Tallantire outside a Waitrose in Bayswater, west London. During the incident with Mr. Tallantire, Boulares brandished a 'large curved blade' and chased the executive and his partner, shouting threats. Mr. Tallantire stated in a victim impact statement that he suffers from anxiety and no longer feels safe in his neighborhood. Mr. Turner now wears a replica Rolex, noting that the threat left a lasting effect.

In addition to the watch robberies, Boulares had threatened singer Aled Jones the month prior. He accosted Jones in Chiswick High Road, west London, and demanded his £17,000 Daytona Rolex watch, threatening to decapitate him if he did not comply. After Jones handed over the watch, Boulares warned him to walk away or face further violence.

Boulares pleaded guilty to the robbery of Mr. Turner and the attempted robbery of Mr. Tallantire at Southwark Crown Court in August. He also admitted to possession of a machete during both incidents.

He had previously been jailed in July of last year for a series of crimes, including attempting to steal actress Genevieve Chenneour's mobile phone at a Joe & The Juice on Kensington High Street in February 2023. CCTV footage showed Chenneour confronting Boulares and wrestling him to the ground. Boulares also admitted to theft from a blind woman and stealing another woman's rucksack.

Judge Martin Edmunds KC, described Boulares' actions as a 'systematic pattern of stealing from people as they are enjoying a meal or refreshment at a restaurant,' and noted his willingness to use violence. Boulares has a record of 12 convictions for 28 offenses, including violence, threatening behavior, weapon possession, and theft.