A MAN has been jailed for two years and four months for burgling two homes in Christchurch.

Allan Craig Cunningham, 33, from Christchurch, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, June 16, after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary at a previous hearing.

The court heard that on Wednesday, April 13, Cunningham entered an address in Bridge Street as the occupant was gardening. He stole cash and a number of sentimental items of jewellery.

The second offence took place at around 1.30pm on Thursday, April 28, in Scotts Hill Lane. The owners were in the garden when their dog began barking. The man went back into his house and saw Cunningham standing inside. He shouted at his partner to call the police.

The victim demanded Cunningham empty his pockets and noticed he had his wallet in his hand. The victim grabbed his wallet and Cunningham fled toward Stoney Lane roundabout.

Subsequent enquiries revealed Cunningham had visited a jeweller in Christchurch and sold a number of stolen items of jewellery which were later identified by his victims.

He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Cunningham requested that the court took a further 14 burglaries into consideration when sentencing him.

Detective Constable Symon Clarke, of Dorset Police’s Priority Crime Team, said: “A burglary at your home is a distressing experience and this case highlights the importance of residents ensuring that their properties are secure at all times of the day and night, even if they are just out in the garden.

“As many as one in three burglaries involve properties that have been left unsecure. Please don’t make it easy for offenders.”

He added: “I hope the sentence handed out reiterates Dorset Police’s commitment to tackling offenders who commit burglary offences in the county. Our message is very simple – you will be caught and brought to justice.”