Bailed on theft allegations

A KINGS Meadows man has been accused of a week-long spree during which he allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of property from residents and businesses across North and North-West Tasmania.

Michael Anthony Williams, 40, stood before Magistrate Simon Brown at Launceston

Magistrates Court on Wednesday, accused of 10 counts of stealing, four of motor vehicle stealing, seven of burglary, one of aggravated burglary and one of attempted stealing.

Police allege the offences were carried out between January 13 and 19 this year.

Mr Williams is accused of attempting to steal $2826.55 worth of tools and hardware, including a chainsaw, from

Bunnings Warehouse in Devonport on January 16. On the same day, it is alleged Mr Williams stole a Toyota Land Cruiser ute from Ridgley, and a second Toyota Land Cruiser ute, and a bicycle valued at $2000, from Burnie.

The next day he is alleged to have stolen $1850 worth of power tools and hardware at Hagley, a $700 chainsaw at an Exton property, a $1200 chainsaw and a Can-Am ATV from a Deloraine property, and $1450 worth of tools, nails and screws from a Devonport property.

On January 18 it is alleged Mr Williams stole a third Toyota Land Cruiser in Gawler and a $500 chainsaw from a property at Nietta.

The same day, he is accused of stealing $12,410 worth of assorted goods from a Loongana property, including a canoe, fishing rods, chairs, power tools, a hand basin, a generator, a jerry can and a kite.

On January 18 he is also accused of aggravated burglary by breaking into the home of a woman at Lower Wilmot and stealing $5000 worth of goods, including a model plane and car, a fridge, a motorbike, chairs, tools, bike shorts, a fire extinguisher, an axe, safety equipment and a child’s bicycle seat. Between January 13 and 19, Mr Williams is also accused of stealing a chainsaw and power tools valued at $4,680 from a Claude Rd property and $1850 worth of tools and hardware from a Hagley property.

Mr Williams did not enter a plea and the case was adjourned to March 10.

Magistrate Brown Mr Williams’ bail. continued