Mailbox thief Jodie Bunn faces Grafton court after stealing and buying items with more than 10 bank cards

A Grafton mailbox raider has walked from court after being caught buying goods with stolen bank cards and shoplifting from businesses.

Jodie Bunn outside Grafton Local Court.

A Grafton mailbox raider has walked from court after being caught buying goods with stolen bank cards and shoplifting from businesses.

Jodie Bunn, 36, faced Grafton Local Court on Monday.

Bunn snatched a number of bank cards and used them to buy various items between 2021 and February this year, according to court documents.

Her offending also includes breaking into a home.

In July 2021, Bunn spent $2104 from a Visa card stolen from a mailbox.

She bought food, fuel and CCTV later revealed she went on a shopping spree at numerous stores. Bunn also used the card to buy items online.

Bunn was captured stealing on CCTV offending around Grafton.

The Clarence Valley Crime Watch group posted about Bunn on social media before her court appearance on Monday and said she had been spotted stealing from mailboxes.

“Why am I not surprised? She’s been doing it for ages,” a concerned Facebook user wrote.

Court documents also state Bunn was found with a wallet suspected stolen, containing a NAB card, in October last year.

Bunn went on another spree and attempted to buy $504 worth of items from Liquorland and other stores.

However, only $54 was ultimately spent despite Bunn’s efforts, which were again caught on CCTV.

The Clarence Valley Crime Watch community group posted about Bunn prior to her court appearance on Monday and said she had been seen stealing from mailboxes.

In June last year, Bunn stole a purse from a parked car containing $50 and personal cards.

She was captured on CCTV fleeing the scene, clutching the purse, court documents state.

The victim was shown footage that day and recognised Bunn. She alleged Bunn stole from her previously.

Police attempted to apprehend Bunn later that day, but she jumped a fence. She was eventually arrested on Armidale Rd in South Grafton.

Police seized ten IDs and other cards suspected to have been stolen by Bunn, as well as 5g of cannabis, court documents state.

Bunn told police the cards belonged to “Kristy”, who asked her to steal from the car.

She was unable to provide more information to police officers to identify “Kristy”.

On October 17 last year, Bunn entered Sportspower in Grafton and took Nike slides and clothes from displays.

She was seen on CCTV entering change rooms and exiting the shop without paying.

Jodie Bunn stole from mailboxes in Grafton, taking bank cards and personal items.

In June last year, Bunn nabbed items from a South Grafton motel laundry room – and was again captured on CCTV.

Bunn pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.

She also pleaded guilty to one count each of shoplifting, larceny, goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, break and enter of a house and possessing a prohibited drug.

Defence solicitor Greg Coombes said Bunn’s offending occurred amid severe family issues and described his client’s relationship with her mother as “toxic”.

He said Bunn’s son tragically died, leading to instabilities in her mental health.

Magistrate Juliana Crofts said Bunn’s offending was serious given it involved numerous victims and an extended period of time.

“These offences are very close to jail,” she said.

Ms Crofts said there was a “mischief” in Bunn’s behaviour.

Bunn was placed on an 18-month community corrections order and ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.

“I’m warning you – if community based orders don’t work there will be no option other than jail,” Mr Crofts said.

More than $2400 in compensation was being sought for some of Bunn’s victims.

Originally published as Mailbox thief Jodie Bunn faces Grafton court after stealing and buying items with more than 10 bank cards