Police allege Scott Cunynghame, 43, stole the Nissan Navara ute from Gladstone Avenue, Wollongong, just after midday on January 26, after watching the vehicle owner from afar.

The victim parked on the street about 12.20pm, taking a tool box from the tray of the ute and walking to the Wollongong Cash Exchange in Crown Street.

He told police he left the car unlocked and with the keys on the floor.

It is alleged Cunynghame walked over, climbed into the driver's seat and used the keys to start the engine.

He then started to edge the vehicle forward until it hit the car parked in front, police documents before Wollongong Local Court allege.

Cunynghame then reversed the vehicle and pulled away from the kerb, driving south on Gladstone Street, police say.

The victim discovered the ute missing on his return and reported the theft to police.

The vehicle was found two days later at an address in Campbell Street and seized for forensic examination.

Officers allegedly discovered Cunynghame's fingerprints on the driver's side window.

He was arrested on January 31 and interviewed by police but was freed without being charged.

Investigating police viewed CCTV footage from the area later the same day and will allege the entire incident was captured on camera.

Cunynghame was again arrested the following day, however, he denied he was the man in the footage.

Police also claim to have found Cunynghame in possession of $40 worth of methamphetamine when he was arrested.

He was charged with take and drive conveyance and possessing a prohibited drug.

Opposing Cunynghame's application for bail yesterday, prosecutor Sergeant Amelia Wall argued the police case against him was a strong one based on the CCTV footage.

Cunynghame's lawyer, John Gallagher, said his client would agree to report to police and abide by a curfew if he was released on bail.

However, registrar Tina McKenna refused bail, citing Cunynghame's criminal history and the fact he was serving a period of parole at the time of the alleged offences.