Business break-ins get two years-plus for B.C. man
A B.C. man was sentenced to two years and eight months for numerous break and enters at a southeastern Albert businesses almost a year ago.
“These were not impulsive,” said Judge Paul Pharo during the sentencing of Brooks Vandenbroek, 38, who pled guilty to numerous charges Wednesday at the Medicine Hat Courthouse.
The rash of incidents stem back to almost a year ago, when on Nov. 18, 2015 the Bell Mobility store in Brooks was broken into, followed by break and enters in Medicine Hat at the Mattress Mattress, Snap Fitness and a Subway. Further break and enters occurred on Nov. 19 at Elite Hair Group, Lovely Nails, First Choice Haircutters in Medicine Hat, followed by a break and enter at Holiday RV and Super Mailboxes in Redcliff.
Vandenbroek faced numerous charges over possession of property from these break-ins, as well as possessing a stolen truck and trailer, possessing of break-in instruments, drug possession and breaches, as he was on probation at the time of these crimes.
Adding time to the total sentence was Vandenbroek’s use of a disguise during some of the breakins.
These crimes required pre-planning, Pharo said, noting that Vandenbroek travelled to the area from B.C. to commit them.
There was a substantial amount of damage at each location, he said.
But Pharo said mitigating the sentence is the guilty plea, Vandenbroek’s expressed remorse, as well as family support he has with his parents once he is released.
A meth addiction which developed over the past few years was cited during sentencing as coinciding with the onset of Vandenbroek’s problems with the law — something Pharo said is supported by his criminal record which only begin in 2015. Since being in custody, Vandenbroek has been undergoing counselling.
Crown had requested a total sentence of three years and five months, while defence counsel had requested two years.
With time already served, Vandenbroek has 15 months left in his sentence.
Restitution was also ordered to the various businesses requesting it, amounting to more than $7,500.