Alan Bruce Potts, 42, faced Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, July 2, charged with nine offences, after police allege he and a partner, stole one vehicle and gained access to others on multiple properties at Bellawongarah and Fitzroy Falls on the night of Saturday, June 23.

Police allege the spree began with Potts driving away in a stolen Mazda from a property in Bellawongarah just before 10.30pm after breaking into a storage shed.

After running out of fuel and dumping the car in a driveway at Fitzroy Falls, Potts stole a Land Rover and damaged a fence and gate in an attempt to flee the scene. 

At about 11pm, residents from a neighbouring property witnessed Potts inside their Land Rover attempting to get it started. He then fled the scene.

On the early hours of June 24, Potts was found at another neighbouring property inside the owner’s ute.

On June 25, police arrested him at a house in High Street Batemans Bay, where he was found with a small amount of ice and several sets of keys.

Police seized several tools and electronic items from the residence, believed to have been stolen.

Defence solicitor Adam Sumbak said the matter was complex and that Potts had serious drug and alcohol issues.

Police said Potts was on parole at the time of the offending.

The matter was adjourned to July 9, 2018 for sentencing.