A BURGLAR who bit the woman she was stealing from has been jailed for two years.

Carol Ann Wilson, aged 43 of Dorset Road in Christchurch, was found guilty of burglary and causing actual bodily harm.

She was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court last week.

Wilson, pictured, entered a property in The Grove, Christchurch, around 3.10pm on Tuesday, March 28.

The victim - a woman aged in her 50s - was upstairs when she heard the front door open.

She went downstairs to see who it was and discovered Wilson near the front door carrying a tin of change that belonged to the victim.

The woman locked her front door to prevent Wilson from leaving. Wilson then bit the victim on her hand leaving bite marks.

Wilson attempted to leave via the back door, but it was locked. She returned to the front door and attempted to leave, but the victim spotted a member of the public passing and asked them to call the police. Wilson was arrested at the scene.

Detective Constable Christian Bryant, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was an opportunist burglary and a terrifying ordeal for the victim to suffer in her own home.

“I would like to praise the victim’s bravery and the assistance from the passing member of the public during the incident that ensured Wilson was brought to justice.”

Dorset Police have issued advice for homeowners to help deter a burglar.

Keep doors locked, even when you’re home or in your back garden.

Install a burglar alarm.

Close and lock all windows when not at home

Consider having a gravel path/driveway as it makes anyone approaching the house easier to hear

Secure tools and ladders kept in a shed to a heavy object where possible

Put up high fences or plant prickly bushes at the back of the property

Make sure gates cannot be climbed over and are locked

Use light timer switches and install lights outside.