No bail over break-ins

Corio man accused of multiple burglaries

A MAN has faced court accused of breaking into Geelong businesses only weeks after he was granted bail on similar charges.

Peter Abbott, 28, appeared on Wednesday at Geelong Magistrates Court where his latest request for bail was refused.

The Corio man has been in custody since last month when he was arrested following two burglaries at commercial premises in North Geelong.

It is alleged Mr Abbott was one of multiple offenders who targeted a used car sales business on Separation St and an electrical business on Saunders St.

Detective Senior

Constable Paul Stokes, of Geelong crime investigation unit, told the court that a vehicle was stolen during each of the burglaries.

The first incident happened overnight on October 27 when thieves broke into The Car Ranch.

A Toyota Corolla hatchback was stolen from inside the workshop.

The stolen car was used in the second burglary days later when unknown offenders forced open a door at J.C. Williams Electrical.

Three Apple MacBook computers were stolen, along with iPads, while a key safe was forced open which enabled the thieves to drive away with a Mitsubishi

Triton. The court heard CCTV footage captured one of the burglars wearing certain clothes, including a distinctive hat, which allegedly matched one being worn by Mr Abbott at the time of his arrest.

He is also charged in connection with the theft of another car in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs after his fingerprint was allegedly found on an interior window.

He was arrested on

November 12 when police raided a home on Consedine Court, Corio, where the stolen Toyota Corolla was allegedly parked outside.

It is alleged Mr Abbott was in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine.

At the time of his arrest, he was on two counts of bail and facing charges relating to ram raids on businesses, the court heard.

Defence lawyer James

Penny urged the court to bail Mr Abbott to his mother’s house in Lovely Banks.

Mr Penny said there were issues with the strength of the prosecution’s case.

But Magistrate Ann McGarvie said she believed the circumstantial evidence against Mr Abbott was strong.

Ms McGarvie said there were no bail conditions that would reduce his risk in the community to an acceptable level.

Mr Abbott was remanded in custody and will return to court in February.