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Posted on Wednesday 18 May 2022
Gemma Anderson

A drug addict who was arrested and charged within 24 hours of burgling vulnerable pensioners in Peterlee has been jailed.

Gemma Louise Anderson was seen trying door handles on March 29 before gaining entry to three different homes including one where she stole an elderly woman’s purse after being challenged by the victim in her bedroom.

Officers attended and identified the 38-year-old and linked her to several similar burglaries in the area.

Anderson, of North View, Easington Lane, was arrested within 24 hours and after an investigation by the East Volume Crime Team and charged with two burglaries and attempted burglary the same day.

She told officers she used the £400 from the victim’s purse to pay off a drug debt and buy more.

Anderson pleaded guilty to all charges at court on March 31 and was release on bail subject to conditions including wearing an electronic tag. She was later arrested and charged for breaking her bail conditions.

Appearing at Durham Crown Court yesterday (May 17), Anderson was sentence to 28 months in prison

Temporary Detective Inspector, Darren Wild, said: “Criminals like Anderson plague our communities with their repeat offending to fund their illegal drug habits and often target the most vulnerable, so we are pleased to see her back behind bars.

“This case shows how much the use of illegal drugs can harm not only the user but other members of our communities and we will not stop in targeting the drug dealers who orchestrate these offenders.”

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