Former Altona North painter Shaddy Mallouk pleads guilty to burglary and theft crime spree

A Melbourne burglar’s cat and mouse crime spree with cops included Guy Fawkes masks, arsons, phone taps and a stripper.

Shaddy Mallouk pleaded guilty to multiple burglaries and thefts. Facebook.

A prolific burglar who stole cigarettes worth more than $70,000 after he knocked over multiple businesses during a destructive crime spree has been spared further jail time.

Shaddy Mallouk, 26, was sentenced in the County Court on Tuesday to time served – 114 days – after pleading guilty to arson and multiple burglary and theft offences.

Mallouk, his co-offender and other unknown accomplices heisted multiple businesses scattered through Melbourne’s west and Geelong between January and June 2019.

The thieves kicked off their racket with a $60,000 cigarette heist from Yarraville milk bar Lucky 7 early on January 17.

Mallouk waited outside the Wembley Ave business while his co-offender and another person broke in and stole the smokes.

The next hit was an attempted burglary at an Altona milk bar on January 20.

Police viewed CCTV which showed two burglars wearing Guy Fawkes masks.

Mallouk, his co-offender and another person – all disguised with Guy Fawkes masks – burgled an Altona North milk bar and stole cigarettes early on January 23.

The crew struck a Melton milk bar on February 1 then landed a $10,000 cigarette score after doing over Melton Gift Store on February 2.

An unknown crook lit a fire at the store which left the owners with a $250,000 damage bill, the court was told.

A fire investigator concluded petrol poured throughout the shop was lit by a match or lighter.

Police seized Guy Fawkes masks, gloves and clothing which had been dumped in a drain and set on fire at Werribee just hours after the heist.

The crew struck a Melton Smoke Mart on February 11.

Mallouk copped to arson after the business was doused in petrol and set alight.

The fire caused “significant” damage, the court was told.

Mallouk and his cronies unsuccessfully attempted to knock over Lucky 7 again on February 15.

The crooks then broke into Yarraville restaurant Yim Yam on March 19 but their heist was interrupted by a local resident woken by smashing glass.

The resident approached the offenders and asked if they had smashed the glass.

“Nah bro, can you just go home,” an offender fitting Mallouk’s description said.

Another burglar armed with a crowbar confronted the reisdent, telling him to “f**k off”.

The resident went to arm himself with a pole and the offenders fled quickly in a black sports prestige car.

The altercation was also witnessed by an off-duty cop who called police.

Detectives hightailed to Mallouk’s Altona North home where they observed the sports car exit the driveway and drive off.

Police intercepted the vehicle and photographed Mallouk’s co-offender.

The burg crew cooled off for several weeks but resumed its spree in May.

Mallouk and his co-offender attempted to burgle FoodWorks stores at Laverton and Altona Meadows.

The crew also burgled the same Williamstown Metro service station twice.

Mallouk and co stole cigarettes during the first heist but settled for confectionary after the store failed to restock its smoke supply.

The gang then knocked over Watan Supermarket Corio early on May 31.

Police had Mallouk and his co-offender under surveillance while the pair attempted to knock over South Kingsville businesses Triple J Cellars and Tandoori Flames on June 4.

Investigators attempted to arrest as Mallouk after he and his mate did over Seddon FoodWorks and made off with a large amount of cigarettes.

Mallouk did a runner but was chased down near the scene and arrested.

Investigators discovered 588 cigarette packs, $4400 cash, bolt cutters, runners and an Apple iPad in the car.

Mallouk denied any offending during a largely “no comment” police interview.

However, Mallouk copped to his racket after police collected evidence including DNA, CCTV, photos and phone records.

Police also discovered a video of Mallouk with a Guy Fawkes mask and a stripper on his phone.

The court heard Mallouk, a former painter who lives with his parents, does not drink or smoke due to his Muslim religion.

The defence submitted Mallouk suffers from asthma which could make his time in jail more burdensome.

Judge David Sexton said during last month’s plea hearing that Mallouk committed “very serious” burglaries.

“It almost reads like a bit of a movie, a bad movie, people wearing ridiculous disguises I think if wanted to blend in then a Guy Fawkes masks … wouldn’t assist in that regard,” Judge Sexton said.

“I’m just troubled by the systemic, repetitive (and) targeted nature of this offending, it’s clearly not high level organised syndicate level stuff, it’s, nevertheless, of considerable concern to the court.”

Mallouk was also handed a two-year community correction order.

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