Paul Ott tries to hide Bunnings stolen tools in secret floor of van
A TRICKY tradie tried to steal tools from a Bunnings store by secreting them in a hidden floor of his van.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A TRICKY tradie tried to steal tools and equipment from a Bunnings store by secreting them in a hidden floor of his van.
But the plumber’s attempt to nick 17 items worth close to $900 from the Mentone hardware store was foiled by a loss prevention officer.
ICE ADDICT BASHED BUNNINGS BLOKE AFTER THEFT
SERIAL SUSPENDED DRIVER ESCAPES JAIL
The man’s van was also unregistered, and he didn’t have a valid licence at the time.
Paul Andrew Ott pleaded guilty to seven theft-related and traffic charges at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court today.
The court heard the 45-year-old Cheltenham plumber went to Mentone Bunnings at 3pm on January 7 this year.
He parked in the trade section and on six occasions picked up tools and supplies before taking them back to his van.
In the rear was a hidden, secret floor where he tried to stash his ill-gotten gains.
But he had been seen by an alert store guard, and was stopped as he started to drive away.
Police were called, Ott was arrested and he admitted to trying to steal 17 items worth $867.
He also admitted driving without a valid licence and in a vehicle with no rego.
MAN IN FLAP OVER NEIGHBOUR’S CAT TRAP
And in July he was caught by police in Black Rock driving a van, again having no licence and in a vehicle which had stolen South Australian plates on it.
His defence lawyer told the court Ott was entitled to apply get his licence back as the disqualification period had expired, but had been too disorganised to go through the process.
He said Ott had $5000 worth of tools taken around Christmas the year before, but accepted that was no excuse to try and steal new gear.
Magistrate Charles Tan said as he already had a prior for unlicensed driving he risked jail for another similar offence and needed to reapply for his licence as soon as possible.
He said although the goods had been returned, the attempted theft was still inexcusable.
Ott was convicted and fined $1500.
MORE NEWS
Pub king selling mansion built by Scott Pendlebury
Pub baron Bruce Dixon has just listed his Elwood home that he bought from Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury. SEE INSIDE.
Take off for $4m ‘special project’ to restore WWII-era bomber
A mammoth project to restore one of just four remaining World War II-era Lincoln bombers left in the world is in the dedicated hands of the volunteers at Moorabbin Airport Museum.