A Parramatta man who pleaded guilty to stealing two electric bikes has been given a Community Correction Order.
Dwayne Smith, 33, fronted Parramatta Local Court last week charged with two counts of ‘larceny’.
“Stealing bikes, in my opinion, is a low act,” Magistrate Stephen Barlow said.
The court heard that in November last year, the accused stole two E-bikes worth $2500 each.
According to police, he used an angle grinder to cut the ABUS lock that secured the bike to a fence in Parramatta.
They say they were approached by a passer-by who told them that a man with a white goatee and blue backpack had stolen a bicycle.
When questioned in relation to the bike, Smith stated that he bought it from a friend.
When questioned in relation to the broken ABUS lock on the bike, he told them that it was part of the E-bike and he couldn’t remove it.
Police cautioned Smith and told him that the cameras above the fence would be viewed to check the validity of his version.
He then admitted to stealing it and told them that he used the angle grinder to cut the lock.
That same month it was reported that a bike equipped with a GPS tracker had been taken from South Wentworthville.
Police say they attended the address and entered the rear yard from the side gate where they saw the accused with several males.
When questioned, Smith told police that he thought he would take it because it was just sitting there without a chain.
The magistrate noted that Smith has a significant criminal history and has previously served a term of imprisonment.
“It’s quite possible that he’s involved in some organised professional dishonestly for profit,” he said.
“I’m sure he’s stealing bikes to get money because he has a drug addiction”.
Smith was given a 12 month Community Correction Order (CCO).
As part of his CCO, he must undertake 40 hours of unpaid community work and accept Community Corrections supervision.
“Stealing people’s transport is very inconvenient,” the magistrate said.
“If you come back, I’ll remember this, and you’ll probably go to prison”.
Formerly with the ABC, Makayla is a graduate of Western Sydney University. She covers a variety of news topics for Parra News.