Sean Hargreaves appeared in the dock at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court accused of breaking into cars and using stolen bank cards, as well as stealing a ute.

The court was told he was an unacceptable risk of reoffending.

Hargreaves' DNA was allegedly found in a hat left in a car stolen from Wendouree that was later recovered in Sebastopol earlier this year.

It was also alleged Hargreaves was involved in a car break-in at Golden Point on June 22.

As well as taking off in the car, $8000 worth of tools were also stolen.

Police arrested Hargreaves after finding his thumbprint in the car, and are analysing blood left at the scene.

He is also accused of stealing a wallet from a car in Nerrina on the same night, which had $1000 cash inside.

He was allegedly seen spending about $150 using the bank cards in two separate transactions.

Hargreaves is on a community corrections order, which he has almost completed.

"He does have good prospects for rehabilitation because he's never had a therapeutic order," his lawyer said, adding this was the first time he'd been in custody.

Hargreaves' mother was called to the stand and said she was prepared to report him to police if he breached his bail curfew restrictions.

"I'd know (if he was using) now, I know all the signs and I know what to look for," she said.

While Magistrate Leonard Brear said it was "despicable" offending, he agreed to grant bail based on what Hargreaves' mother said.

"Give her a bad time, don't expect any leniency," he warned.

Hargreaves will face court again later in July.