Burglar Balan Busted After Two Pubs Raided in Highcliffe
Marius Gabriel Balan, 28, from Wyllie Mews, Burton-Upon-Trent, has been locked up for 40 weeks at Bournemouth Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to two break-ins earlier this year.
Loot Stolen in Two Bold Break-Ins
Between 11am on Tuesday 24 March 2020 and 9.30am on Thursday 26 March 2020, Balan forced entry into The Paddle on Waterford Road, Highcliffe. Thieves made off with a till tray full of cash, a small safe, several bottles of spirits, plus a laptop, camera, and two speakers.
Just days later, on Sunday night 29 March 2020, The Beach Hut Café at Friars 1 was targeted. Two tills were stolen and there was an attempted theft of a gaming machine.
DNA and CCTV Nail the Burglar
Forensic evidence from The Paddle, including DNA, and CCTV footage from The Beach Hut Café linked Balan directly to the crimes. His trail ended in Staffordshire, where police arrested him on 22 March 2021.
“We fully recognise the impact offences such as these have on our local businesses and we are committed to doing all we can to identify those responsible,” said PC Liam Moss of the Priority Crime Team. “I’m pleased we tracked down Balan so he could face justice.”
