A WOMAN who stole handbags before using bankcards across Reading has been jailed.

Anne Marie Bailey, of no fixed abode, broke into a property on Alexandra Road overnight on October 27 and stole three bags belonging to young women in their 20s.

She admitted to burglary and four counts of fraud by false representation at Reading Crown Court on December 18 after using cards from the bags.

Bailey was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for the burglary offence and eight months’ imprisonment for each of the four counts of fraud by false representation to run concurrently.

She had been charged with the offences on November 5.

Investigating officer, detective constable Alan Pearcy, said: “Thames Valley Police will investigate robustly all offences of burglary and I am pleased with the lengthy custodial sentence handed down by the courts in this case.

"I commend the victims for reporting this incident to police.”