Bumbling bandit busted

Stolen Eftpos machine leads police to boat business burglar

A LARA thief broke into his former workplace five times after he was sacked for stealing.

Tyler Wood, 28, was sentenced in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday to 21 days in jail but walked free due to time already served.

Wood committed a litany of offences after he was sacked from his job at Geelong Boating Centre last January and then left home to live in his car.

Between March 27 and May 2, Wood forced his way into his old workplace five times, cutting a hole in a cyclone fence and breaking a window on each occasion.

Wearing a balaclava, he ended up with a haul of $18,500 cash and $1800 worth of goods, while causing $7750 damage to the business.

Police were able to link Wood to the break-ins when he used an Eftpos machine stolen from the business to transfer $2000 to himself.

In separate crimes commit- ted in February, the former St Joseph’s College student broke into his parents’ home and stole a 60-inch television, laptop and soundbar, before selling the items at Cash Converters.

He also pleaded guilty to a series of other theft and deception charges, including stealing a massage table from a Lara sporting club where he used to be a trainer.

In one incident on July 19, Wood racked up a $100-plus tab at a Portland hotel before leaving.

The bank card he had provided did not work and, when the hotel tried calling Wood, he answered before quickly hanging up.

But authorities had little trouble identifying Wood, given he dropped off a resume at the hotel days earlier.

Defence lawyer Simon Northeast said Wood’s offending came after a combination of homelessness and alcohol abuse.

He said Wood, who has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum, didn’t fit in at school but was strongly supported by his family. Wood’s parents, sister and grandfather were in court for yesterday’s hearing.

“They are absolutely, without doubt, one of the most supportive families I’ve seen,” Mr Northeast said. “They are completely bewildered and shocked by his offending.”

The court heard Wood — who is now back at home with his parents — had since returned some of the items he had stolen.

Mr Northeast said Wood was also saving money so he could pay back the boating store and was attending alcohol counselling.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie opted to spare Wood further jail time, sentencing him to 21 days, recognising three weeks he spent in custody in August.

She placed him on an 18month community corrections order that requires Wood to undergo assessment and treatment for alcohol and gambling. “These offences are incredibly serious,” Ms McGarvie said.

Wood was also fined $500.