ONTARIO COMPUTERS STOLEN Broke into schools, stole computers - The Sarnia Observer - Ontario, CA:

Broke into schools, stole computers
COURT: Teen placed under house arrest for six months
Posted By NEIL BOWEN, THE OBSERVER
Posted 2 days ago

A teenager who stole thousands of dollars worth of computers from two Sarnia elementary schools has been placed under house arrest for six months.

The 16-year-old pleaded guilty to break-ins and thefts at Gregory Hogan and Cathcart Boulevard schools on Aug. 12 and 13, along with a department store theft and court-order violations.

The "very serious" school thefts affected the community, Justice Deborah Austin said Thursday in Sarnia court.

They began with the removal of a door lock at one school, after which the teen returned at night. Three computers and two monitors were taken.

The teen dodged a police patrol that answered an alarm at the school.

He was arrested after posting an on-line advertisement offering to sell $2,200 worth of computers for $900.

Following his arrest, he admitted stealing computer equipment from Cathcart school, which was accomplished by sliding open a window.

Most of the equipment, from both schools, was not recovered.

The planned thefts were part of an escalating crime pattern, the court was told.

In July the youth took $9 worth of food from a store.

Earlier in the year he was placed on probation for unlawful entry to a building.

The 42 days spent in presentence custody was a "wake-up call," said defence lawyer Jonathan George.

His mother refused to take him home on bail.

The youth's attitude changed in custody and he wants to make things right, said George.

While under house arrest he must follow a curfew, live at his mother's home, attend school and take any recommended counseling.

A year's probation will follow. The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits publication of his identity.