Serial Burglar Carla Dorward Locked Up for Nearly Four Years
Carla Dorward, 42, has been jailed for three years and eight months after pleading guilty to multiple burglaries and fraud offences at Southampton Crown Court. The crafty criminal, held at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, targeted vulnerable pensioners, stealing cash, jewellery, and valuables.
Three Sneaky Raids on Elderly Victims
- August 2021: Dorward knocked on a 70-year-old man’s door in North East Close, Southampton, asking to use his toilet. Once inside, she swiped his mobile phone and gold jewellery worth up to £725 before making a clean getaway.
- March 26, 2023: At a flat on Paynes Road, Southampton, Dorward tried the same trick with another man in his 70s. Drinking wine from her bag, she lingered under the false pretense of waiting for her ‘uncle’. She stole £15 cash and a bank card, later spending £114.52 on fraudulent purchases.
- March 27, 2023: Dorward gained entry into an elderly woman’s home on Padwell Road, reportedly using a spare key from a wall-mounted safe. She warned the victim about keys left in the door before sneaking off with £70 in cash, bank, and club cards.
Police Praise Tough Sentencing
The crimes were investigated by Hampshire Constabulary’s specialist burglary team, Operation Hawk, led by PC Noora Abbasi.
“Burglary is traumatic enough regardless of age, but for Dorward to target members of our community who are especially vulnerable is heinous,” said PC Abbasi.
“The gentleman burgled in 2021 lost a vital lifeline with his phone and jewellery with priceless sentimental value.”
“We are relieved justice has been served. Dorward will be off our streets for years, unable to prey on others.”
“This tough sentence sends a strong message: burglars will be caught, and victims will get justice.”
The court’s decision aims to reassure the public that authorities are working hard to crack down on this invasive crime wave hitting vulnerable seniors across Southampton.
