Mount Gambier toy store robbed twice in as many months in unrelated incidents

A $240 stuffed teddy was the main prize for a cavalier crim who broke into a popular toy store - now he says he will “do better” as he yawns in court.

A man who robbed a toy store, which has been robbed twice this year in unrelated incidents, yawned with his hands behind his head as he told a Magistrate he had learnt his lesson, a court has heard.

Leonard Whitaker, 26, of Mount Gambier, in the company of several friends, broke into Erupt Toys and Gifts at around 2.15am on July 27, before making off with a number of plush toys.

Among the stolen items was a giant Hello Kitty plush toy valued at $240.

Plush toys. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Leonard Whitaker will spend no further time in jail after he pleaded guilty to stealing a $240 giant Hello Kitty Plush toy. Picture: Supplied

Appearing by video in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court Whitaker was visibly cavalier as he promised to “do better”.

Whitaker, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to breaching a good behaviour bond, one count of theft and six counts of failing to comply with his bail.

He was arrested on Monday following repeated bail breaches.

A police prosecutor said a term of imprisonment was appropriate, but did not object to a suspension of any further jail time.

Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos warned Whitaker not to do “anything stupid” unless he wanted to spend time behind bars.

Whitaker was handed a three week suspended term of imprisonment, with his good behaviour bond extended by six months and now set to expire in September next year.

A 70-year-old worker from Erupt Toys and Gifts said the stolen toys had since been returned and sold.

Police are still investigating the second, unrelated robbery, which occurred on August 17.

Police say the unidentified man entered the shop demanding vapes.

The man pictured is wanted by police after he pushed a woman in her 70s to the floor before making off with $250 in cash.Picture: SAPOL

The female worker, who did not wish to be identified, said she was shoved to the ground after telling the man the toy store did not stock them.

“As soon as he walked in I knew what he was going to do,” she said.

“No one walks in with medical gloves and a mask.”

The man “smashed the till to pieces” before pushing the woman a second time and making his escape.

The woman said she had some minor bruising and was left shaken by the ordeal, but did not go to the hospital.

Following the incident the woman said she was nervous when customers came in, but has since bounced back.

Police say the suspect was described as being of caucasian appearance, aged 26 to 28 years, about 173cm tall with a medium build.

He was wearing a black hooded top, sunglasses, a black face mask and white gloves.

Anyone who recognises the man or has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperssa.com.au.