Prolific Bournemouth shoplifter jailed

A 44-year-old Bournemouth man who was responsible for 19 counts of theft has been sent to prison for 14 months.

David James Gwilliam’s offending spanned between Saturday 22 February and Tuesday 24 June 2025, during which time he stole a variety of items from the Boots stores in Christchurch and Boscombe, and the Co-op in Charminster Road.

The total value of items stolen was around £15,300.

Gwilliam was identified in CCTV footage as the person responsible, and he was arrested and subsequently charged in connection with the thefts.

He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 21 October 2025 after pleading guilty to all the charges.

Police Seargent Ryan Corbett, of Dorset Police, said: “David Gwilliam was a prolific shoplifter and we have worked hard to investigate this series of offences, compile evidence and ultimately bring him to justice for his repeated crimes.

“We are committed to targeting offenders such as Gwilliam and bringing them before the court as we fully recognise the impact this type of activity has on businesses.”