NARVIN BABOOLAL was yesterday described as a terrorist after he admitted to stealing more than $163,000 in items, ranging from an entire security surveillance system to a $50 cutlass.

He was sentenced to more than 13 years in jail.

Baboolal, 34, was charged with stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, electronics, clothing, drinks, colognes, tools, a bottle of toilet bowl cleaner, the cutlass and a $12,000 camera system over a three-week period.

The six break-ins occurred between April 17 and May 10, 2012 in areas of Gasparillo.

Baboolal also faced charges of interfering with a van, having cocaine in his possession and a device adapted to use the illegal substance when he appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington.

Baboolal, who was a suspect in several house break-ins, was arrested by detective constable Terrence Rahim on May 17 last year while he and other officers were on patrol in Reform, Gasparillo.

On that day, a device and 0.4 grammes of cocaine were found in Baboolal's pocket.

At Gasparillo Police Station, he was told of the break-ins and admitted to each.

He also admitted to interfering with a van two hours after the victim parked the vehicle in her yard.

The owner had found the back door window rubber and the door glass were removed and placed on the hood of the vehicle, police prosecutor Cleon Seedan reported to the San Fernando First Court.

Magistrate Wellington told the defendant that he was a drug addict who was feeding the habit.

Baboolal's criminal record showed he had previous convictions for larceny and possession of drugs and a device.

But Baboolal insisted he stole because he owed money for a van.

Baboolal, who yesterday changed the not guilty plea he entered at his first court appearance, begged the magistrate to be lenient with him. He said he wanted to change for the new year.

"You are the worst. You are a terrorist, breaking into people's homes all about," Wellington said.

He sentenced Babooal to 24 months on six of the break-in and larceny charges and six months for stealing the cutlass, toilet bowl cleaner and coverall from one of the houses.

Six-month sentences were also handed down on Baboolal for interfering with the van and for possession of cocaine.

Baboolal, who had addresses at Reform, Claxton Bay, Arima and Tunapuna, was also sent to jail for three months for possession of the device.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

"You will not do more than 24 months...fortunately for you, unfortunately for law-abiding citizens," said the magistrate.

Wellington also said it was also unfortunate that he could not extradite Baboolal to Sudan, where he could have faced the punishment of losing a hand and foot for such an offence.

Very few of the items were recovered.

Rahim was commended for investigating and apprehending Baboolal. The magistrate also praised constables Gadoo and Rambaran for their work on the cases.