Men accused of $113K Burberry heist in Melbourne CBD to remain behind bars

The pair allegedly behind a brazen heist at Burberry in Melbourne CBD last month won’t taste freedom anytime soon, as police warn one of the accused “won’t stop” offending if bailed.

Two men accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of designer clothes and handbags during a ram raid on a luxury CBD store will remain behind bars.

Pascoe Vale South man James Turner, 38, and Mickleham man Harley Guerra, 24, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged over two alleged ram raids on April 16.

The pair are accused of stealing more than $400,000 worth of designer handbags and sunglasses from both the Burberry store on Collins St and an optometrist in Essendon.

They are also accused of using sledgehammers in an attempt to rob a JB Hi-Fi store in Hoppers Crossing last month.

Mr Turner’s alleged criminal history was aired to the court in which he faces countless drugs charges and driving offences.har

Burberry on Collins St in Melbourne CBD was the target of a ram-raid in April. Picture: supplied

He was on bail at the time of last month’s alleged pair of ram raids.

In opposing Mr Turner’s application for bail, Detective Senior Constable Louise Erasmus told the court of the accused’s “blatant disregard” for any court orders imposed on him.

Senior Constable Erasmus alleged Mr Turner committed the ram raids “having no regard for any person’s welfare”.

“He will not stop offending,” Senior Constable Erasmus told the court.

“It’s only a matter of time until he contributes to the road toll.”

Harley Guerra indicated that he wished to apply for bail during Thursday’s filing hearing. Source: Facebook

The court heard Mr Turner and his co-accused attended an optometrist in Essendon in an allegedly stolen Toyota HiLux and Alfa Romeo about 4am on April 16.

They are accused of making off with about $300,000 worth of prescription and designer glasses from the store before heading to the city.

Just an hour later, the pair are then accused of ramming the front windows of the Burberry store on Collins St, allegedly stealing $113,000 worth of handbags.

The pair allegedly made off with $113,000 worth of designer goods. Picture: supplied

The stolen Alfa Romeo was uncovered days later where police allegedly found a stolen Burberry handbag filled with the stolen sunglasses.

The pair were arrested together at a home about 7am on Wednesday before they were both hit with further charges.

Mr Turner, who was already on three sets of bail, was denied bail as he was deemed an “unacceptable risk” to the community.

He was remanded in custody to appear in court on May 22.

Mr Guerra indicated that he wished to apply for bail during Thursday’s filing hearing but was told it would be “probably a waste of time” as no evidence had been prepared by his lawyer.

He was remanded in custody until June 18.