Two people accused of "doing snatch and runs" by stealing about $2000 worth of copper then profiting from selling it were caught after a witness saw them unwrapping the fresh copper rolls at the buyer's site, court documents state.
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Kiran James Eichmann and Tania Woods appeared via video link in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with two counts each of obtaining property by deception and theft.
Mr Eichmann is also facing one count of driving a car without consent. Both accused have not pleaded to the charges.
Police documents tendered to the court accuse the pair of stealing the copper on July 30 and August 2 this year at Bunnings in Tuggeranong and Fyshwick.
Mr Eichmann, 31, allegedly stole a car that was used to visit Bunnings in the first incident.
On both occasions, they were caught on CCTV.
On August 3, a witness called police after he saw both defendants unwrapping the fresh, brand-new-looking copper rolls at a Fyshwick metal scrapyard.
Court documents state the copper was sold for $616.90.
After the arrest, police reviewed Mr Eichmann's phone and saw messages between him and another person in which they talked about doing a "snatch and run".
The other person said, "I'll be going back to jail soon tbh bro," to which Mr Eichmann responded, "Same my bra doing snatch and runs and shit bahaha jb hifi Bunnings Myer Haha," he wrote.
Police suspected the message related to the alleged theft from Bunnings.
The court on Tuesday heard Mr Eichmann was released to parole recently for previous offending, including aggravated burglary and driving matters.
Mr Eichmann is also facing unrelated traffic and driving charges to which he has pleaded not guilty.
His solicitor applied for bail, saying he had "demonstrated great respect for his parole obligations" by remaining in the ACT while most of his family remained in Queensland.
The solicitor said her client had "taken many positive steps" in two parole programs, including an apprenticeship.
Ms Woods' lawyer argued that bail should be granted because Ms Woods was a mother of six children and because of the viability of the hair salon at which she works part-time.
Her diabetes and epilepsy were also cited.
The prosecutor opposed bail for Mr Eichmann to limit the risk of further reoffending.
She said it was a strong prosecution case and that if convicted, Mr Eichmann would have his parole cancelled and sent back to jail.
"(There is) an overwhelming likelihood to commit dishonesty offences," she said.
As for Ms Woods, the prosecutor said further charges relating to stolen property and firearms were likely to be laid.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker refused bail for Mr Eichmann, saying he had a "non-insubstantial criminal history in Queensland and the ACT".
"What is of most concern is his level of offending in recent times - that is extensive," Ms Walker said.
She said the prosecution case was strong and she was not satisfied bail would address concerns.
As for Ms Woods, the magistrate said the factors on which the defence relied were not special or exceptional circumstances.
Both defendants are scheduled to reappear in court later this month.
Police documents allege another man was involved in the offending.
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