Repeat burglar behind bars after stealing expensive TV, trading it for cannabis

A repeat burglar has been jailed after he stole a $695 television set from an Albany home and traded it for a “stick” of cannabis. Derek Andy Loo, 26, appeared in Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday, and pleaded guilty to a string of charges including an aggravated home burglary in which he stole the Samsung TV. Police prosecutor Sergeant Dave Loverock told the court Loo broke into the family home in Port Albany between 6.30pm on December 20 and 11am on December 26. He smashed down the front door to gain entry to the home. Police were able to identify him as the thief after he left blood in the pantry, Sgt Loverock said It was later discovered Loo had traded the TV for a “stick” of cannabis, Sgt Loverock said. It is understood a stick of cannabis is worth about $25. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan sentenced Loo to a mandatory jail term of two years for being a repeat home burglary offender. In WA, an adult with two prior burglary convictions must be sentenced to at least two years imprisonment after a third conviction. “At some point you need to change the way you go about things,” Ms Scaddan said. “It’s unfortunate you’ve spent many years in the prison system.” Lawyer Elizabeth Hamilton said her client had a significant record for a young person. Sgt Loverock also told the court details of another stealing offence Loo was involved in on the morning of January 29. The victim’s vehicle was parked on Apex Drive at Mt Clarence while its occupants visited the National Anzac Centre, Sgt Loverock said. “The accused has picked up a rock and smashed the window of the hire car,” he said. Loo stole multiple items to the value of $750 including a handbag, wallet, credit cards, sunglasses and Chinese wine.