‘Burglar with a conscience’ sent to prison
A 21-year-old burglar who repeatedly raided Selwyn District properties has claimed to have a conscience – he tried not to spoil children’s Christmases.
Luke Alexander Reich, of Burnham, says he avoided stealing presents that were obviously meant for children in his pre-Christmas break-ins.
The police say that in one Burnham house burglary, he took $200 cash, and searched a wallet and handbag, and then took a Christmas present from under the Christmas tree. The parcel was found unwrapped and the child’s present inside left neatly under a tree along the driveway.
Reich was a cool-headed prowler who often entered and searched through houses while residents were asleep inside. He kept going even when people disturbed his early morning visits.
He would take off his boots and put on soft shoes to minimise the sound of his footsteps on gravel driveways and then inside houses.
Reich pleaded guilty last month to 42 charges: 26 burglaries, 10 thefts, and six charges of unlawfully interfering with cars. The offences happened in Rolleston, Dunsandel, Burnham, West Melton, and one in Ohoka from November to early this year.
Christchurch District Court Judge David Saunders noted that he had shown he had a conscience by avoiding or returning children’s gifts. He had begun offending when he had employment problems and his life had spiralled out of control.
The judge said the raids had caused a huge amount of distress to people.
Often he had targeted just cash, or small items such as chocolates, but in one burglary he had taken firearms worth $3000. The weapons were found among items at his home later.
Defence counsel Phillip Allan said Reich was willing to sell his motorcycle so that the money could go towards reparations for the victims. He would also be able to work after his release, to make further reparation payments. “He wants to put things right,” said Mr Allan.
Judge Saunders imposed a two year nine month jail term and ordered Reich to pay reparations totalling $10,268.
He said Reich was seen as a low risk of reoffending, but recommended to prison authorities that he be assessed for a drug and alcohol treatment programme during his time in custody. “That has been identified as a factor in your offending,” he said.
Category: Focus
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