Stealing three beers and a backpack from someone else’s home proved costly for a Niles teenager.

Brett Adam Gibson, 18, was sentenced Monday in Berrien County Trial Court to 270 days in jail and three years on probation on one count of home invasion in the third degree.

Gibson was also ordered to pay $114 in restitution and more than $2,500 in fines and court costs.

Judge Dennis Wiley said what made the crime so serious was the fact that Gibson broke into someone else’s residence to take the items.

“It doesn’t matter if it is three beers, three donuts or three pieces of paper,” Wiley said. “It is a scary thing to know someone broke into your home.”

According to court documents, Niles police responded to a report of a breaking and entering at an apartment in the 500 block of Broadway in Niles Sept. 7.

The victim said three bottles of Shock Top brand lemon shandy were taken from his refrigerator and that a backpack was missing.

A neighbor told the victim he saw someone enter the apartment while the victim was at work.

The neighbor’s comments eventually led police to Gibson, who admitted to taking the items.

In the court documents, police noted that multiple items of value were left undisturbed.

Gibson did not explain Monday why he took what he did, but said he messed up and asked for a second chance.

Wiley ordered Gibson to serve the first 180 days in jail and the final 90 days in a probation enhancement program. He must also complete an additional 90 days on Michigan Department of Corrections electronic monitoring.

Also Monday:

• Thomas Edward Kantz, 33, of Niles, was sentenced to a year in jail on each of the following counts: attempted interference with an electronic communication device, and domestic violence second offense.

• Emerson Lee Ritchie, 53, of Niles, was sentenced to 120 days in jail on one count of attempted receiving and concealing a stolen firearm.