Recidivist car thief, home invader Dylan Wippel guilty of 50+ charge crime spree

A young man who went on a crime spree across the Toowoomba region, raking up more than 50 crimes, has been released back into the community after serving 252 days in custody.

Wippel used bolt cutters to smash his way into the Spar Supermarket at the Uni Plaza in Kearneys Spring, Toowoomba, in February 2025.

A young Darling Downs man who committed a raft of serious and sometimes violent crimes has been released after spending 252 days in custody on 53 charges.

Dylan Wippel, 23, pleaded guilty to mostly property, driving, and drug crimes before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday, June 24.

His offences included seven break and enters, four counts of stealing a car, two dangerous operation charges, two assault charges, and two charges of possessing dangerous drugs.

Wippel was released on bail at the beginning of the year, however the court heard he was again arrested following a spate of break-ins at a number of Toowoomba businesses in February.

The court heard Wippel and alleged co-offenders used bolt cutters to smash their way into stores, which included the Spar Supermarket at the Uni Plaza in Kearneys Spring, Rink 46, Coles Wilsonton, and the Drayton Bowls Club.

Wippel also attempted to break into a BWS.

He committed the serious property crimes while on bail for breaking into Toowoomba homes and the dangerous operation of stolen vehicles, which he filmed and posted on social media.

The court heard two videos were taken in June 2024, one on the 13th, where he was captured driving 160km/h, and 150km/h through the Legacy tunnel in Brisbane on the 14th.

Police prosecutor Isabella Schmidt said Wippel’s crimes were extremely serious, noting the group of young men invaded a number of residents’ properties and stole valuable property.

Ms Schmidt said he also committed acts of violence against police and watch-house staff.

She said the young man’s six-page criminal history included 19 priors for property offences.

Mr Corbin conceded Wippel’s crimes were particularly egregious, but noted as he had served almost nine months in custody, an overall head sentence that exceeded two years would be crushing.

Wippel used bolt cutters to smash his way into the Spar Supermarket at the Uni Plaza in Kearneys Spring, Toowoomba, in February 2025.

He said the young man, who had a highly disadvantaged upbringing, had worked in the past and released if he wanted to achieve his goals, he needed to stay away from bad influences and substances.

Mr Corbin said Wippel went off the rails shortly after being released on bail following the death of a loved one.

Magistrate Mark Howden said Wippel’s crimes were “exactly the sort of offences the community has been very concerned”.

“This is particularly serious offending in Toowoomba and elsewhere... over an extended period of time with no regard to the property of other people whatsoever,” he said.

Mr Howden told Wippel he had quickly outgrown the lower courts, and if he continued to offend, he would find himself before the District Court.

“You will have to go higher because the sentences for you are going to be significant, and I’m talking years,” he said.

“That’s how serious (your offending) has become.

“You either make a change in your life, or you live your young life in jail, that’s where you’re headed.

“Sooner or later, the message has to get through.

“The ball is in your court.”

Wippel was sentenced to a two year jail term.

The 252 days Wippel served in custody, during two separate stints, were declared as time served, and he was released on parole.

His licence was disqualified for at least two years.

Originally published as Recidivist car thief, home invader Dylan Wippel guilty of 50+ charge crime spree