A man responsible for numerous home and shed burglaries across Australind and Collie has received a 3.5 year jail sentence.
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Via video link from Bunbury Regional Prison, Paul Van Den Enden attended Bunbury Magistrates Court for sentencing on Friday, July 27.
The 30-year-old had pleaded guilty to 17 stealing charges, 14 counts of gaining benefits via fraud, 10 of committing burglaries, six of committing home burglaries, three of possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property, three of fraud, two of possessing a firearm/ammunition without a licence, two of possessing drug paraphernalia, and one of possessing cannabis in May.
On Friday, he pleaded guilty to stealing a box trailer – worth $400 – in Collie on January 28.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Greg Ward told the court Van Den Enden had committed 11 home and/or shed burglaries across Australind – with many of the properties residing near his Barnes Avenue home – between January 28 and April 16 this year.
Between December 19 and March 3, Van Den Enden also committed five home and/or shed burglaries at residences in Collie.
Items taken during his burglary spree in Australind and Collie include 53 .22 ammunition bullets, chainsaws, tools, fridges, fishing equipment, and CCTV gear.
After the thefts, he then made numerous trades at Cash Converters and Advanced Cash and Gold in Bunbury.
On April 10 in Collie, Van Den Enden was found with cannabis, a smoking implement, and a stolen Lenovo Laptop in his possession.
During a search warrant at his Barnes Ave residence, police found stolen items in Van Den Enden’s bedroom.
Van Den Enden’s Lawyer, Michael Joubert, said his client was deeply remorseful for his actions.
Magistrate Belinda Coleman said Van Den Enden’s crimes had caused trauma and despair for his victims.
He was given a 3.5 year sentence (made eligible for parole after serving two years), fines, and $300 in costs.
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