Man sentenced for ‘high-yield’ theft at car dealership

A man who broke into a car dealership and made off with several items — including a vehicle — has been sentenced to almost a year and a half in jail.

Terrance Bertram, 43, previously pleaded guilty to breaking and entering.

In Brandon provincial court on Monday, the Crown recommended a sentence in the range of 20 months to two years less a day, while defence argued for a sentence of time served, which is the equivalent of just more than seven months.

Crown attorney Rich Lonstrup outlined the details of the break and enter.

On Dec. 16, 2025, Brandon police were sent to Brandon Chrysler Dodge after the manager reported that someone had broken into the business overnight and stolen several items, including three laptops, Milwaukee tools and a 2009 grey Dodge Ram 2500.

When police watched security footage, they identified Bertram as the suspect, as he was “well known to police,” Lonstrup said.

“(Bertram) was observed using a large wooden stick to smash out the window of the door located on the southeast part, proceeds to enter (and) leaves the business in the truck,” the Crown said.

Police also learned that during that time frame, a work vehicle had been rummaged through and a credit card had been stolen, Lonstrup said, adding that the accused tried to use the card for three purchases.

Officers were told that Bertram was at a Co-op gas station with the stolen vehicle, court heard.

Police went to the gas station and arrested Bertram. Police found all of the stolen items, aside from one laptop, inside the vehicle, Lonstrup said.

Lonstrup said Bertram has a “terrible criminal record for property offending,” and the sentence imposed needed to send a message of general and specific deterrence, leaving the Crown with no choice but to recommend a long sentence.

“This is a high-yield theft that needs to be treated accordingly,” he said.

“This is an individual who’s been told repeatedly, if it’s not yours, don’t take it,” Lonstrup said. “He is trying to live a lifestyle supportive of criminal offending.”

Lonstrup said it was clear that there was a degree of premeditation to the break-in.

Defence lawyer Bob Harrison said his client was addicted to crystal methamphetamine, homeless and “homesick” at the time of the offence, as he hadn’t seen his family in a long time.

Bertram has been sober since he has been in custody and feels much better being away from drugs, Harrison said.

“He says it’s a motivation … He hasn’t felt that good in a long time.”

Harrison said his client also had mental health issues and has been experiencing auditory hallucinations, which should reduce his moral culpability.

He also pointed out that breaking into a commercial business is not as severe as if he had broken into a home.

Bertram told the court he lost his family because of his addiction to drugs, which started four years ago.

“Meth is horrible,” he said.

He said he plans to go to a sober living centre once released and said jail has “saved my life.”

“It has been sobering. I’ve been thoughtful and wishing for more insight, more humility,” Bertram said.

Judge Patrick Sullivan said Bertram’s desire to stay sober gave him hope for his future.

However, he said his criminal record is problematic, with several break-and-enter convictions on it.

He said a sentence of 16 months would be appropriate, followed by one year of supervised probation.

» sanderson@brandonsun.com