A Ballarat man was allegedly caught on 20 CCTV cameras stealing items from major stores across the region, a court has been told.
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Anthony Slater, 26, is accused of stealing more than $8000 worth of goods during a two-month crime spree and ramming a police vehicle.
He was refused bail at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Friday.
The court was told Slater went on the crime spree in regional towns, including Ballarat, on 22 occasions between July 10 and August 30, 2017.
Detective Senior Constable Brett Duncan said the accused stole $8038 worth of goods from large businesses, including Bunnings, Rebel Sport and Target.
He said the accused was seen on CCTV footage stealing the items on every occasion except to two.
Police allege Slater was driving a red Hyundai when it rammed a police vehicle on July 15, 2017. Police pursued the Hyundai for a short time.
They then found the car allegedly containing Slater’s personal items and his fingerprints, the court was told.
Detective Senior Constable Duncan said Slater was arrested on August 30 at Redan’s Flying Horse Bistro.
Police opposed bail, saying Slater was an unacceptable risk of reoffending. Defence lawyer Nicholas Hanos told the court his client had a disability and a drug problem.
“I would submit this man has become institutionalised,” Mr Hanos said.
“In my submission this person is getting worse in jail. He’s not getting better.”
Magistrate Simon Zebrowski said he did have some sympathy for Slater, but was not confident to release him from custody.
Slater was remanded in custody to appear at a later date.
