Operation Glynden: Katanning police arrest ‘one of WA’s more prolific burglars’ in week-long joint operation

Katanning police have arrested “one of WA’s more prolific burglars” who allegedly stole $5000 from a 92-year-old. The 30-year-old male was arrested on October 5 after police found his DNA on a soft drink can left at the scene of one of his burglaries. He was found hiding behind a bed in the middle of another burglary and charged with 12 offences, including burglary, stealing, stealing motor vehicles, criminal damage, drug possession and fraud. Police say the accused stole jewellery and $5000 in cash from a 92-year-old’s Katanning residence in September and returned with a friend on October 2 to steal a Hilux and a Sedan. The pair were flown to Bunbury Hospital the following morning after the two vehicles were involved in a crash that seriously injured the 35-year-old co-accused. Police say they found several stolen items from multiple properties in the Hilux. Sen. Sgt David Rudd said the Katanning man was “one of WA’s more prolific burglars” and would often engage in stealing sprees during the day and at night. The mystery burglar was a high priority for local police ahead of the operation, which led to his identification and eventual arrest. He is currently on remand in prison where he will remain until his first court appearance later this month with the potential for more charges as the investigation continues. Operation Glynden saw police step up their presence and resources in the Great Southern town from October 5 to 11 as part of a week-long operation to combat a spate of burglaries and antisocial behaviour in the town. Their efforts resulted in 14 arrests, 19 summons and 54 charges. The joint operation brought together police from Albany, Cranbrook, Kojonup, Tambellup and Wagin as well as Albany detectives and Great Southern traffic to target burglaries, stealing, drug-related offending, and antisocial behaviour. Sen. Sgt Rudd said Katanning police requested the community report suspicious behaviour and be conscious of security as they continue to hold offenders to account.