A MAN who allegedly stole a cash tin and storage box after smashing his way into a Kangaroo Flat business has been released on bail.
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Christopher Taylor, 41, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court earlier this week after he was charged with offences including burglary and theft.
The court heard about 6.30pm on March 4 this year, police saw Mr Taylor loitering in his silver Mazda in the Kangaroo Flat area.
About 9pm that evening, the owner of a Collins Street business had a notification that the alarm had been triggered at his site.
The owner did not go to the business because he believed only an animal had set off the alarm.
Police alleged Mr Taylor was captured on CCTV footage entering the site and breaking into a ute parked there.
The court heard Mr Taylor pulled out jerry cans from the ute before fleeing without any items when the alarm went off.
Police alleged about 10 minutes later, Mr Taylor broke into a business on Ramsay Court.
The court heard he smashed the front door, ransacked the business, and grabbed a beer from the foyer.
He also allegedly stole a cash tin containing $100 and a storage box, before returning to his car and leaving.
Mr Taylor was on bail at the time of the alleged offences. He was arrested on April 14 and told officers he did not break into any properties.
Defence lawyer Jordana Cohen told the court Mr Taylor had been in custody since his remand on April 14.
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Ms Cohen said the alleged offending was at the "lower end of the scale" because it happened after business hours with no one present and with minimal items stolen.
The defence lawyer said Mr Taylor was homeless at the time of the alleged offences and was reliant on drugs.
Ms Cohen said her client had a stable address to reside at and was motivated to stay clean from drugs after detoxing in custody.
The defence lawyer said Mr Taylor had been deemed suitable for the Court Integrated Services Program, which would give him additional support for his drug and mental health issues.
Magistrate Russell Kelly released Mr Taylor on bail because he was satisfied the 41-year-old had compelling reasons.
Mr Kelly said while Mr Taylor could be looking at more jail time with the burglary charge, the purpose of the bail application was to determine risk.
The magistrate said a series of conditions, including a curfew, would help alleviate those concerns.
Mr Taylor was released from custody and is due to return to court next month.
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