James Stringer applies for bail in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after alleged $40k computer theft

A Noble Park dad was busted outside a King St strippers lounge after he allegedly stole more than $40,000 in computer tech as well as allegedly trafficking meth.

James Stringer was arrested by cops outside Centrefold Lounge on King St.

A Noble Park man accused of stealing more than $40,000 in tech equipment from West Melbourne was busted after attending a popular adults entertainment lounge in the CBD.

James Stringer, 41, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 3, facing charges including theft, obtaining property by deception, trespass and drug trafficking.

The father of three applied for bail on Friday, after police allegedly busted him and two others stealing computers and other tech equipment from Aftershock PC in West Melbourne on January 1.

Police allege Mr Stringer stole more than $40k worth of computer tech alongside two co-offenders.

The court heard Mr Stringer allegedly attended the tech warehouse three times over three days between December 30, 2024 and January 1, 2025, where police allege he and two co-offenders used crow bars to forcibly enter and steal more than $40,000 of stock.

A staff member saw Mr Stringer and a co-offender outside the business on January 1 and followed them after recognising them from the CCTV footage.

The court heard he saw the alleged thieves enter popular stripper lounge Centerfold on King St.

Mr Stringer and his alleged co-offenders were later arrested outside the venue.

Police allege they found the stolen items at the Prince Mark Motor Inn in Doveton where it is believed the trio were staying.

Mr Stringer has numerous outstanding allegations against him, including obstructing, hindering and threatening cops and trafficking methamphetamines.

Mr Stringer also faces trafficking charges.

Police allege they busted Mr Stringer in early December with 27g of ice and 8g of cannabis in a large black bag which also contained his passport as well as a large butchers knife.

He denied owning the bag.

Detective Constable Sam Thiessen opposed bail, saying police believed Mr Stringer’s offending was quickly escalating.

“He’s attended the same business three times in the space of three days,” he said.

“He tends to be belligerent and abusive when approached and he was found with a large butcher’s knife.

“The victims are extremely concerned and shocked there was a possibility he might get bail.”

Mr Stringer said his alleged drug addiction and offending began during Covid lockdowns.

Magistrate Abigail Burchill said his alleged offending was “brazen and dangerous”.

“Those people were there and are worried out of their brains that men were coming back again and again,” she said.

Mr Stringer and his co-accused alleged broke into the West Melbourne business with crowbars.

“Think about those factory owners – Covid took people to their knees.

“Just because you had a tough time in Covid, it doesn’t mean other people didn’t have it too.”

Ms Burchill granted Mr Stringer bail, taking into consideration that it was his first time in custody.

“I don’t consider the prosecution evidence weak, but your co-accused have been released on bail,” she said.

“The victim will be disappointed and disgusted with me for giving you bail.”

Mr Stringer was banned from going within 200m of Aftershock and will return to court on February 6.