13-year-old charged over alleged ram raid spree in Bendigo CBD released on bail

A 13-year-old boy has faced court over an alleged ram raid crime spree in Bendigo.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and criminal damage after three ram raids in Bendigo's CBD about 4am on April 24.

A 13-year-old boy charged over a spree of ram raids in Bendigo has been released back into the community.

Police charged the boy over three alleged ram raids on Bendigo businesses after allegedly stealing a Land Cruiser and ramming JB HI FI and SportsPower on Hargreaves St and Trelly’s Outdoor Bendigo in Long Gully around 4am on Wednesday, April 24.

A 13-year-old has been arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and criminal damage after three ram raids in Bendigo.

Police charged the boy with aggravated burglary and criminal damage after ramming the allegedly stolen car into the front doors of the businesses, but it is unclear if the boy stole anything from the businesses.

In a Children’s Court on Tuesday, the boy’s Legal Aid representative Madeleine Mein brought a bail application to get the boy released from custody and into education and support programs.

Ms Mein told the court several Youth Justice services had been mobilised to support the child and give him the best chance at getting his life on track.

The court heard the child had been subjected to serious trauma in his young life and needed help, not punishment.

Bendigo police agreed the boy did not belong behind bars and would be better served participating in the “intensive” rehabilitation organised for him.

The magistrate said they were very concerned about the child, but said Legal Aid and Youth Justice had organised “amazing supports” in the community for the boy.

The magistrate found the child to be an “acceptable risk” and released him into the community.

The child was ordered not to drive a car, take drugs or alcohol and to be home during curfew hours of 6am to 6pm, unless otherwise participating in a support program.

The magistrate told the boy he had “a lot of work to do” and warned him to stay out of trouble while on bail.