‘Beauty bandits’ held
Couple accused of cosmetics theft spree
A GOLD Coast couple caught after an alleged sixmonth “beauty burglary’’ spree that netted up to $90,000 in cosmetic products and musical instruments have been refused bail.
Dylan Nikeller, 29, and a pregnant Renee Hart, 31, appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday on 60 charges from burglaries they were alleged to have committed together since December 2017.
Police allege the couple, who have a one-year-old child together and another on the way, forced entry to a number of cars, homes and businesses over six months until their arrest at a Varsity Lakes home on Monday.
Police allege the pair specifically targeted cosmetic studios and beauty salons, stealing items such as professional makeup products and equipment.
The court was told Hart was on a two-year suspended sentence and had a warrant out for her arrest from the Tweed Heads Local Court at the time of her alleged offending.
Hart appeared dishevelled and motioned to her wrists, telling supporters in court they were “bruised” from handcuffs.
Defence lawyer Demi Quadrio, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, said Hart had struggled with drugs in recent years and had been going well before a relapse in January this year.
Ms Quadrio submitted Hart could receive bail under strict supervision conditions, which would include a curfew, because most alleged offending was said to have been at night.
But magistrate Mark Howden said Hart was too great a risk of reoffending and refused bail.
Nikeller appeared on the same charges.
Ms Quadrio said Nikeller’s family would be able to make a $5000 surety if he was granted bail.
Both Hart and Nikeller had their matters adjourned for mention on July 17.