Canberra Burglar Jailed After Find My iPad Tracks Him Down, Robs Eight More Homes While on Bail
A Canberra man who was tracked down using the Find My iPad app after a burglary has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison, after committing a further eight home robberies while on bail.
Tristan Saunders, 25, pleaded guilty to 19 charges, including burglary, theft, fraud, and possession of suspected stolen goods. The ACT Supreme Court heard that Saunders initially stole a bike, laptop, camera, saxophone, guitar, bank card, and an iPad — the latter of which ultimately led to his arrest when it was located via Apple’s tracking technology.
Police also linked him to the crime using fingerprints and CCTV footage, which showed him carrying several of the stolen items. Most of the goods were recovered.
However, after being granted bail, Saunders went on a spree, ransacking eight more homes across Ainslie and Downer. Evidence included DNA left on a drink can, fingerprints on windows, and a sports drink bottle left at one scene.
Acting Justice Rebecca Christensen described the offences as escalating in seriousness, especially after a knife was found at one of the break-ins. She called the crimes a “deplorable violation” of residents’ rights to feel safe in their homes.
Motivated by survival:
Despite the serious nature of the offences, Justice Christensen noted that Saunders had been motivated by survival, not luxury.
“The purchases made were in the nature of necessity rather than indulgence,” she said.
The court heard Saunders was homeless and struggling with a drug addiction costing up to $300 per day.
Though ACT Corrective Services had concerns about his ability to comply with rehabilitation conditions, health professionals recommended a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order (DATO).
Justice Christensen agreed with the treatment option, noting Saunders had already served more than a year in custody. She imposed an 18-month drug and alcohol treatment order, with the remainder of his sentence to be served under a good behaviour order until 2028.
