Troy Anthony Wilson, 49, jailed for burglaries and thefts in Geelong

A thief knocked on the door of a home he had just robbed to ask for the backpack full of loot he had left inside, a court heard.

Troy Anthony Wilson

A thief knocked on the door of a home he had just robbed to ask for the backpack full of loot he had left inside, a court heard.

Troy Anthony Wilson, 49, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Thursday to charges including burglary and theft from the crime spree across 2022 and 2023.

On February 3, this year, Wilson entered a home in Belmont through a flyscreen window and stole jewellery and cash.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Andrew Clapham said Wilson took the items and placed them in his backpack.

When Wilson heard the victim return home, he made a hasty escape but realised he had left his backpack, which had his medicine inside.

The court heard Wilson then knocked on the front door and asked the victim if she could return his backpack.

He then emptied his pockets, which contained items belonging to the victim, and asked her not to call the police.

A few moments later the victim’s husband arrived and called police.

On December 21, last year, Wilson broke into a Geelong West house from its backyard.

Constable Clapham said Wilson ransacked the home, stealing jewellery and necklaces, as well as wallets holding credit cards.

During the crime spree, he also stole $100, passports and opened Christmas presents belonging to the victims.

The court heard Wilson also ransacked other homes across Geelong, including in Thomson, Newcomb and Newtown.

Wilson’s lawyer said his client had a problematic history with heroin use and was remorseful and ashamed of his actions.

Magistrate Peter Mellas said Wilson’s crimes could have a profound effect on his victims, particularly children, fearful of someone entering their home.

Wilson, who has already served 127 days in custody, will have to spend another five months in jail.

Originally published as Troy Anthony Wilson, 49, jailed for burglaries and thefts in Geelong