Man accused of stealing Warrnambool company car in broad daylight

Chris Austin, 28, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Monday charged with the theft of the motor vehicle as well as other driving offences and evading police.

The charges related to an incident on Thursday when Mr Austin allegedly stole a company car from Warrnambool's Goodyear Autocare shortly before 5pm.

The utility, which was clearly branded, was parked out the front of the business.

Mr Austin was allegedly observed by police seated in the vehicle near a reserve and when members attempted to intercept the car, he took off at speed.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle.

Police allege Mr Austin drove the vehicle carelessly around west Warrnambool, speeding and doing burnouts.

He evaded police for a second time before the stolen utility was found dumped just a short distance from Mr Austin's west Warrnambool home.

The vehicle was not damaged and a search uncovered DNA belonging to the accused man.

Mr Austin was arrested on Friday.

The court heard the man had 36 pages of criminal history and had not long been released from a short stint in jail over the theft of a fire extinguisher.

On Monday during a bail application, Detective Senior Constable Derek Verity, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said he'd spoken to Mr Austin's parents, who believed he was using illicit drugs again.

He said police believed Mr Austin was an unacceptable risk of reoffending in the community.

Lawyer Tessa Theocharus said the man had a disadvantaged and deeply troubled upbringing but had supports in the community.

But magistrate Franz Holzer said the man failed to show compelling reasons why he should be released from custody and refused bail.

Mr Austin will appear in court again on January 10.

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