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Man sent to jail for stealing $17,000 worth of dental equipment

Aaron KirbyMandurah Coastal Times

A MAN who stole $17,000 worth of dental equipment was sentenced to 10-months prison when he appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court today.

Derek Turner pleaded guilty to a burglary at Mandurah Dental Surgery and the attempted burlary of Instant Cash Mandurah.

Police prosecutor Emma Houghton said Turner caused $2500 damage by using a reciprocating saw to try and cut through a security screen at Instant Cash Mandurah in July last year.

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He then went to the back of the store and tried to get through the rear door.

Senior Constable Houghton said after failing to gain entry, Turner took a vacuum cleaner worth $49 from a trailer before leaving.

Just days later on August 11, 2018, Turner rummaged through an open garage at Mandurah Dental Surgery.

Sen Const Houghton said Turner then smashed through a window and stole a new laptop. He later sold it to a friend for $50 and $17,000 worth of dental equipment.

Turner said he had been riding his bicycle past the building when he saw the open garage door and decided to take a look.

Magistrate Anne Longden took into account Turner’s personal circumstances and his previous record for similar offences before sending him to jail.