Bail and farm work for alleged bandit
AN alleged Bunnings bandit stole more than $30,000 worth of tools from the hardware giant’s outlets in Geelong and Melbourne to feed his raging ice habit, a court heard yesterday.
But police say they nailed Point Cook’s Matthew Edwards for the crimes with the help of store security cameras.
Mr Edwards 28, is accused of stealing from Bunnings stores in Leopold, Waurn Ponds, Epping, Broadmeadows, Altona North, Notting Hill and Melton, and faces multiple counts of theft and obtaining property by deception.
Geelong Magistrates’ Court was told of at least 10 occasions when the man allegedly stole items, later selling them for drug money.
It was alleged Dewalt brand laser levels and nail guns — that sell respectively for $499 and $799 each — were among his favourite items to pinch.
“The estimated known value (of the items stolen) is upwards of $30,000,” police prosecutor Senior Constable David Vanderpol said.
Mr Edwards, a father of one, was granted bail, and ordered to live with his mother and stepfather on a farm near Ballan, where he will be put to work from 4am each day.
“I’ll be keeping an eye out, don’t worry,” the stepfather told magistrate Ann McGarvie. “There’s plenty for him to do.”
Ms McGarvie also banned the man from visiting online market sites such as Gumtree or eBay while on bail, and from visiting any Bunnings outlet, or any other hardware store in Victoria.
“For someone who has never come before court before, you have come to court in spectacular fashion with so many offences alleged against you,” she told Mr Edwards.
Police arrested Mr Edwards this week, alleging he committed further offences after being bailed last month and ordered not to visit Bunnings stores.
Sen-Const Vanderpol outlined the man’s common technique for stealing tools from Bunnings.
He explained at least four laser levels were taken on separate occasions by concealing them in trolley baskets under wood and MDF boards the man purchased.
The prosecutor said at least six nail guns were stolen from different stores by the man, who allegedly hid them in the box of a $59 heater and paid for that item.
The court heard the man’s ice habit and offending took hold after he was made redundant from his job as a shopfront fitter last year, but he was keen to get clean and was seeking help for his addiction.
Ms McGarvie ordered Mr Edwards to report to police three times a week and participate in a pre-sentence program designed to stop him reoffending while on bail. Mr Edwards is to return to court on July 17.