Hammer-wielding group allegedly burgled post office, tried to break into petrol station

A teenager accused of being part of a group that broke into a post office and tried to break into a petrol station earlier this month has been refused bail.

Police allege a group of people used a hammer to smash a glass door, while others kicked it with their feet, to get inside the Australia Post Office at the Lanyon shops at around 3:35 am on 16 July.

Once inside, they allegedly stole the cash till before fleeing.

Then, at about 4 am that same morning, it is alleged a group of people went to the Shell Coles Express in Wanniassa where they tried to get inside by smashing their way through a glass door with a hammer.

While they were unable to get inside, they allegedly caused significant damage to the store.

Police say both incidents were captured on closed-circuit television.

Following an investigation, Orlando Atkinson was arrested on the weekend and then faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday (22 July) after he had been charged with joint commission burglary and theft, as well as attempted burglary and unlawful possession of stolen property.

The 19-year-old from Kingston applied for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution on the alleged risks of reoffending.

His Legal Aid lawyer said he was a young man who had engaged in prosocial activity and employment.

She said he wanted to address his underlying substance use and being remanded in custody would have a continuing negative effect on him.

He was willing to work with authorities “to achieve being on the straight and narrow”, his lawyer said.

Magistrate Glenn Theakston said Atkinson appeared to be in the grip of an addiction, which meant it was difficult for him to have confidence that he would comply with bail conditions.

He did say he hoped the teenager would focus more on dealing with his addiction.

Bail was refused and Atkinson was remanded in custody to next face court on 8 August. No pleas were entered.

Police said their investigation is continuing.