Bribie Island teenager faces 18 charges after car break-ins and paywave shopping binge

A Moreton Bay teenager has been called an “idiot” in court, as he was sentenced for a sneaky bank card spending spree.

A teenager who racked up 10 charges of fraud after a spending spree with stolen bank cards has faced a court north of Brisbane.

Nineteen year-old Kyren John Warnecke of Bellara appeared via video link in Caboolture Magistrate Court on August 23, 2022, charged with 10 counts of fraud, three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, obstruct police officer, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, attempted fraud, receiving tainted property, trespassing and stealing.

The court heard that in the early hours of August 13, 2022 at Sandstone Point, Warnecke unlawfully entered three cars, stealing a bank card from a handbag in one of the cars and going on a $3295.37 spending spree.

At 12.10am police saw a grey Mazda 5 parked, with the engine running, in a driveway with the stereo playing loud music.

The owner came outside and saw Warnecke in the car.

Police dog squads then tracked Warnecke to a home near the Sandstone Point caravan park.

Afterwards an owner of a Toyota Hilux saw Warnecke enter the ute and steal a wallet.

Another car was unlawfully entered with its contents strewn all over the road, a pair of sunglasses and its case was missing

At 7.42am a victim saw her car broken into and her handbag missing, including a Commonwealth Bank card.

Warnecke made 10 payWave transactions.

Warnecke made 10 payWave transactions with the stolen bank card, totalling over $3000. Picture: File

At 10.46am police went to Warnecke’s house with a search warrant.

Two males and two females were home at the time.

While police executed the warrant, one of the females became hostile and Warnecke placed himself between her and police as they went to arrest her.

Warnecke’s lawyer Tim Hishon said the former Year 11 Morayfield State High School student had ADHD and needed to get back on his medication.

“If he doesn’t stop he’s looking at significant prison time,” Mr Hishon said.

“He’s capable of rehabilitation and putting this conduct behind him but he needs to be medicated.”

Warnecke was also in court for a trespass on 8pm July 24, 2022, when the 19- year-old entered his next door neighbour’s house without permission.

An elderly male denied entry and then called his daughter who asked Warnecke to leave however he refused to go and told her he was on the run from police.

Warnecke had in his possession a stolen red Tommy Hill sweatshirt, Tommy Hill T-shirt, Tommy Hill hoodie and a black balaclava, with the security tag still attached, taken from Chermside.

Magistrate James Blanch asked Warnecke how the watchhouse was, to which Warnecke replied “fine”.

“People like you don’t understand the effect of their actions on people you have preyed upon,” Mr Blanch said.

“You break into their cars, you take their items, you have no consideration for them, you just want to be able to go off, do your own thing, steal, commit fraud.

“The community is sick and tired of it, the courts are sick and tired of it.”

Warnecke was released on 18 months probation, ordered to serve 160 hours unpaid community service and pay $3295.37 restitution.

Convictions were recorded.