Matthew Piscopo faces Ballarat court for breaking into Ballarat businesses and stealing car from train station
A young Ballarat criminal who stole a car from Ballarat Railway Station and broke into a series of small businesses even stooped to stealing from a public library.
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A young meth-addled thief terrorised Ballarat businesses in a crime spree that spread even to a public library.
Matthew Piscopo, 22, appeared at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court from custody on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to several charges.
The court heard that in December 2023, Piscopo stole a car from Hunt St, Ballarat East.
In August the following year, a stolen car was discovered with a letter from Legal Aid and a Christmas card addressed to Piscopo.
In September 2024, he went to A.R.G. Automotive, a mechanic in Alfredton, and stole a vehicle diagnostic device.
In October he stole a till worth $500 and $450 cash from Delish Kebabs Fish N Chips in Smythes Creek; nabbed a bag containing $100 from Emma’s Bakery in Alfredton after forcing his way through the front door; broke into Aussie Oggie Pasty Co in Black Hill; and pilfered $800 from Cafe Al Nord nearby.
The same month, he stole a car from Ballarat railway station and stole items from a vehicle parked in a resident’s garage.
In November, Piscopo forced his way into an Alfredton business and stole Powerade and rum balls.
He and a co-accused also broke into Ballarat’s library, cut a printer cable, and took a coin box from the machine.
When police officers arrived at a Mount Pleasant home in November, Piscopo ran from the back door and was chased before being arrested.
The court heard Piscopo had an “unenviable” criminal history even for someone twice his age, and that he was “on the cusp” of institutionalisation.
He committed all his offending, the court heard, under the influence of meth.
Piscopo was sentenced to an aggregate term of six months’ imprisonment with 112 days already served.
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