A young woman burglar was last night starting a 26-week prison sentence as police continue their purge on thieves across Lowestoft.Kelly Buckley, 21, was jailed after pleading guilty to stealing more than �2,000-worth of valuables from a home in Clapham Road North, Lowestoft.

A young woman burglar was last night starting a 26-week prison sentence as police continue their purge on thieves across Lowestoft.

Kelly Buckley, 21, was jailed after pleading guilty to stealing more than �2,000-worth of valuables from a home in Clapham Road North, Lowestoft.

Her sentencing took place as police revealed they had arrested about 20 people suspected of burglary during the past month.

This followed a similar number of arrests during April as officers strive to tackle a spate of break-ins, which have blighted the east coast town since the turn of the year.

Buckley, of Carlton Road, Lowestoft, appeared for sentencing before town magistrates yesterday after previously pleading guilty to burglary, attempted burglary and resisting a police officer.

An earlier hearing was told how she broke in through the bathroom window of the house in Clapham Road North on April 10 and stole two televisions, a computer games console, a laptop computer, jewellery and clothing worth a total of �2,030.

She was arrested later on the same day following an attempted burglary at a house in Albany Road. Samples taken were later matched with blood found in the bathroom at the scene of the earlier break-in.

Chairman of the bench Tim Finch told Buckley: 'We feel that these offences are so serious that only custody can be justified.'

Speaking after the case, police spokesman Anne-Marie Breach said: 'We are pleased the court has given a custodial sentence. This sends out a message to burglars that they can expect to be caught, brought before the courts and given a prison sentence.'

Lowestoft has been hit by more than 200 burglaries or attempted burglaries since just before Christmas, but Miss Breach said officers in the town had been working hard to clamp down on the offending.

She added: 'We have made a significant number of arrests in recent weeks and we are continuing to pursue them. Other cases will be coming to court in the future. There is a lot of work going on and it is a priority for everyone to catch those responsible.'

The court heard Buckley had 16 previous convictions for 21 offences.

Her solicitor Richard Mann said: 'Miss Buckley has informed me that she would not comply with any community order and wishes to be sent to prison today.'