A burglar has been convicted following a detailed investigation by Dorset Police’s newly-formed Neighbourhood Crime Team.
Ryan James Duncan, 31 and of Bournemouth, has been sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court for burglary and driving offences.
On Friday 3rd January 2025 at around 7.55am, Duncan gained entry to a flat in Bourne Avenue in Bournemouth and stole a Macbook Air, three pairs of Nike trainers and a gold chain.
He also stole a pair of car keys, before leaving the address with the victim’s Mercedes car.
Shortly after 10am that day, the stolen vehicle was involved in a crash in Christchurch, and Duncan was caught on CCTV leaving the scene.
An investigation into the burglary was launched by the Neighbourhood Crime Team – the force’s newly-formed team dedicated to investigating burglary crime, targeting prolific offenders.
Using a fingerprint ident from the window of the Bourne Avenue flat and securing relevant CCTV footage, officers were able to identify Duncan as the suspect.
Duncan was arrested and interviewed, before being charged and remanded for offences of using a motor vehicle without insurance, driving whilst disqualified and dwelling burglary.
He pleaded guilty to the charges against him and was given a 17-month suspended sentence at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 23rd May.
Duncan was also disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 12 months and ordered to pay £1,500 compensation.
Detective Sergeant David Went, of the Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “Our newly-formed team reviews all burglaries and takes the initiative to deploy and complete primary investigations where possible.
“The team did an incredible amount of work to secure the charges for Ryan Duncan, carrying out CCTV enquiries and taking numerous statements, including an impactful victim impact statement which was read out in court.
“Duncan’s conviction has been achieved through a dynamic and proactive response and is an example of a team relentlessly pursuing criminality and bringing more offenders to justice to provide a high standard service for the victims.”