Senior Constable Lewis Martin, of Warrnambool police, said the offending occurred in the past three weeks and included theft of alcohol, clothing from two stores and Lego from a toy store.

The goods were worth a total of about $200 and had not been recovered.

Senior Constable Martin said the man was on bail for previous theft offences, and police had recognised him and made the arrest on Timor Street around 7.30pm on Wednesday.

"Theft is not tolerated in the town. He would steal to support a drug habit. We have been looking for him for two weeks," he said.

The man was charged with theft and committing an indictable offence on bail, and will appear in the Warrnambool Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.