Op shop theft ‘appalling’

Burglary spree fuelled by ice, court told

A CORIO man who stole from an op shop during a four-day ice-fuelled burglary spree has been jailed for a year.

Kustitafu Uluakihoia, 25, also broke into or stole from 14 other Geelong businesses between November 10 and November 13 last year.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard Uluakihoia stole $7000 worth of goods and caused hundreds of dollars worth of damage during the break-ins.

Police Prosecutor Chris Capuano said Uluakihoia smashed his way into the Community Shop on Pakington St, Geelong West — which raises money for multiple sclerosis — and stole $1000 worth of jewellery, ornaments and other items.

Acting Sergeant Capuano said Uluakihoia used a stolen van to transport his loot between break-ins.

The court heard Uluakihoia stole the Ford van from outside a Keilor Downs milk bar in Melbourne about noon on the day before his crime spree began.

During his spree, Uluakihoia broke into businesses and stole: TWO iPads and food worth $1500 from the Avanti coffee shop in Corio; A SAMSUNG tablet worth $750 from Cameron’s Diesel Services in North Geelong; HAIR clippers from a Highton hair salon; and, CHEQUES and $300 cash from Japanese Commerical Spares in North Geelong.

The court heard Uluakihoia also stole food and a phone charger from Apco in North Geelong.

Sgt Capuano said Uluakihoia was arrested on November 14 and the items from the burglaries were found in the stolen van.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie said Uluakihoia’s burglary of the op shop was “appalling” because it was raising money to help those with multiple sclerosis.

“It has been put to me that your ice use was a reason for your offending,” Ms McGarvie said. “The damage you caused to a dozen small businesses hasn’t been calculated.”

Uluakihoia pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft, eight counts of burglary and stealing a car.

He will be placed on a community corrections order when he is released in November and be required to undergo drug treatment.

Ms McGarvie said she would have sentenced Uluakihoia to two years’ jail had he pleaded not guilty.

“I hope that you can change your behaviour by complying with the corrections order,” she said.

Uluakihoia had served 85 days before his sentence yesterday.