Illawarra: Ben Albert, 25, charged after electric motorcycles allegedly stolen

A man who allegedly broke into an Illawarra business and stole two electric motorcycles worth nearly $30,000 has fronted court for the first time.

The electric motorbikes were allegedly stolen near Wollongong. Picture: NSW Police

A man has been charged over an Illawarra business break-in where two electric motorcycles worth nearly $30,000 were allegedly stolen.

Ben Albert, 25, appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Friday following investigations into an alleged break and enter at an Auburn St, Coniston business.

The alleged offending is believed to have occurred about 4.30am on February 12 with Wollongong Police District officers being told two electric motorcycles – with a combined value of $29,000 – were allegedly stolen.

Proactive Crime officers executed a search warrant at a home on Waples Rd, Farmborough Heights on Thursday, where five motorcycles, tools, prohibited drugs, identification cards, a doctor’s prescription pad and two mobile phones were allegedly seized.

Albert was arrested at the scene.

Ben Albert, 25, faced Wollongong Local Court on Friday. Picture: Dylan Arvela

He was taken to Wollongong Police Station, refused bail and charged with three counts of property theft, four counts of goods in custody suspected of being stolen, possess ammunition without holding a licence and firearm found at premises subject to prohibition order.

Albert is yet to enter pleas.

The 35-year-old allegedly stole two electric motorcycles. Picture: NSW Police

Police revealed a second man, also aged 35, was arrested on Thursday near the Waples Rd home following a short foot pursuit.

He was also taken to Wollongong Police Station, but was released without being charged.

Albert faced Wollongong Local Court via audiovisual link on Friday where he successfully made a release application, with magistrate David Williams including bail conditions that he stay away from the store he allegedly broke into, as well as strict curfew hours.

Albert will return to the same court on February 25.

Investigations into the alleged theft are ongoing. 

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