Woman jailed following detailed investigation into burglary in Bournemouth
A woman has been jailed following a detailed investigation by detectives into a burglary in Bournemouth.
Louise Balaam, 38 and of Bournemouth, was sentenced to two years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 15 August 2025.
Dorset Police received a report on Friday 9 June 2023 that an address had been broken into overnight in Windham Road.
A number of items were stolen, including bank cards, cash, a mobile phone and alcohol.
It was further reported that the bank cards were fraudulently used to make purchases at a number of convenience stores.
An investigation was launched, which included a forensic examination of the scene, taking witness statements and carrying out CCTV trawls.
Balaam was identified from CCTV footage at locations where the bank card was fraudulently used, and DNA evidence from a discarded cigarette at the victim’s address placed Balaam at the scene.
She was arrested and subsequently charged with a dwelling burglary offence.
Balaam was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court following a guilty plea.
Detective Constable Christian Bryant, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We recognise the impact burglaries have on victims when they happen.
“Thanks to our enquiries, we were able to identify Louise Balaam as the woman responsible for this offence and bring her before the court to face justice.
“We hope this demonstrates that we will relentlessly pursue criminality and are determined to bring offenders to justice to provide a high standard of service for the victims.”
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