Shane Whitfield is accused of catching the train to Ballarat from his home in Melton West after an argument with his partner and stealing items from a number of Ballarat stores.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to shop theft, possessing a drug of dependence and possessing a controlled weapon.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Steve Kent said Whitfield stole items totalling more than $1500 from Super Cheap Auto in Wendouree, BCF Wendouree, Petbarn Wendouree on June 15 and June 22.

The court heard Whitfield almost knocked over two customers in Stockland Wendouree when he was attempting to escape police, before catching a taxi to the Ballarat CBD.

He was located by police with the trolley of stolen items and arrested on June 22.

Police found an ice pipe, a small amount of methamphetamine and a box cutter in his pockets.

Police found other items in Whitfield's shopping trolley, including a $300 sewing machine he admitted he stole from Spotlight.

Police informant Constable Marsh said he was making further inquiries into other items found in Whitfield's trolley and it was likely he would lay further charges.

The court heard Whitfield has 11 prior convictions for theft and other prior convictions for possessing a drug of dependence, burglary and attempted robbery.

He is currently on a community corrections order for theft.

Defence lawyer Scott Belcher said Whitfield had been with his partner for 10 years and had stable rental accommodation in Melton West with their baby. They are also expecting another child.

Mr Belcher said Whitfield was laid off from work as a cabinet maker due to COVID-19 and he had relapsed into using drugs since.

"He still has a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation if he can sever his link with methamphetamines," he said.

Mr Belcher asked magistrate Ron Saines to consider a deferral of sentence and bail.

Mr Saines said Whitfield's recent history presented a compelling argument to support imprisonment and the refusal of bail.

The court heard 14 months ago Whitfield was dealt with at Melbourne Magistrates' Court for multiple shop thefts and committing an offence while on bail, two months later was dealt with for shop theft and again in February.

"The offending that is subject to a plea of guilty today follows repeated non-custodial sentences for similar offending," Mr Saines said.

Whitfield was remanded in custody and will return to court via audio visual link for sentencing in July.

"Sentencing can commence today by a clear message of deterrence," Mr Saines said.

"It appears to me there is a significant and ongoing drug problem and something has to break the cycle of repeat.

"In this case it will be my sentence that will give you an opportunity for a fresh start."

Mr Saines refused bail based on the absence of compelling reasons and the unacceptable risk of further offending.

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