The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was bailed at a children's court on Wednesday.

The court was told the charges include burglaries, arson, shop thefts, criminal damage, throwing missiles, possessing a controlled weapon, causing an explosion and recklessly conduct endangering serious injury.

Police allege the boy committed the crimes in Ballarat with other youths in August and September.

The court was told he was put on bail for the first time in early September but allegedly continued to commit crimes, breaching his bail conditions.

On September 11, the boy and a co-accused allegedly stole a packet of lighters from the Peel Street Cheap As Chips store.

The pair then allegedly stole two deodorant cans and a torch from Woolworths in Eastwood Street. CCTV footage allegedly captured the pair taking an elevator to the Woolworth's rooftop car park.

A police detective told the court the accused placed one of the deodorant cans on the ground near the elevator, stomped on it and ignited it with a lighter.

He said a construction worker exited the elevator and saw the can on the ground and the two boys.

"The can exploded and impacted the construction worker's face. He felt his left eye burning, ringing in his ears and had a sore head," the detective said.

He said the worker received treatment two days later and was diagnosed with an inflamed ear drum and nostril infection. Treatment is ongoing.

The court was told in other alleged offending the boy and other youths caused $3000 worth of damage to Sovereign Park Motor Inn by throwing bricks at windows on September 3.

Between September 1 and 8, the accused and other youths allegedly damaged a FedUni student accommodation house, causing it to be uninhabitable.

The court was told the boy had spent the past two weeks in custody where he turned 13-years-old.

In opposing bail, police said the boy was at risk of reoffending and endangering the community.

But his lawyer said the boy had no criminal history and it was unlikely he would be sentenced to jail on the offences.

In granting the boy bail, the magistrate said custody was the last resort for a 12-year-old. He said there was added statutory provisions in deciding bail, including a person’s Aboriginality and their age.

The boy was released from custody on bail conditions. He was bailed until November 27.