Audra Jean Downie, 52, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court last month where she pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and theft.

The court heard on the morning of July 16 last year, Downie and a co-offender went to Lansell Square. Most of the stores were closed at the time due to lockdown restrictions.

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The co-offender forced open the shutter to one of the closed stores and the pair entered. They stole $3000 in cash and jewellery before leaving the centre.

A worker returned to the site on July 28 and reported the burglary to police.

The court heard on August 5, Downie and the same co-offender went to a California Gully store.

The pair collected items including a drill and socket set. Downie hid some of the tools in her bag while the man concealed them in his jacket.

The pair tried to leave the store without paying but a staff member confronted them.

The man left but Downie handed over the concealed items before fleeing to a waiting car.

Police arrived before the 52-year-old and her co-offender could leave, and the pair were arrested.

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Downie made admissions during her record of police interview. The total value of the stolen items was $566.22.

Defence lawyer Madeleine Mein told the court Downie had a very limited and dated prior criminal history.

Ms Mein said Downie could not explain why she started offending after keeping away from the criminal justice system for more than 15 years.

The defence lawyer said her client had mental health issues and was receiving support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Magistrate Trieu Huynh said he accepted Downie had remained offence-free for so long, but that made the offending more confusing.

Mr Huynh said he would have the 52-year-old assessed for a community corrections order and a justice plan.

Downie was released on bail ahead of her assessment. The case is due to return to the Bendigo Magistrates' Court in February.

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