Anthony Dean Mott, 44, is further accused of stealing products from a pharmacy only a few hours later.

Police allege Mott was seen on high quality CCTV footage wearing black shoes with white soles, a black jacket, long green pants and a black hat inside the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant on Cliff Road, Wollongong about 9.30am on Wednesday.

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Mott allegedly opened the door of a detached cool room before he took a box of shallots and walked away.

A restaurant employee notified police who collected the security video.

Meanwhile Mott entered Chemist Warehouse on Crown Street, Wollongong about 1.10pm that same day where he started browsing items.

He picked up two tension therapy devises valued at $248 before he walked into the next aisle and allegedly stuffed them up his jumper.

The alleged theft was captured on CCTV before he left the store without making any attempt to pay for the products.

A security guard noticed Mott was acting suspiciously so he reviewed the surveillance footage and contacted police.

Officers watched the video and about 4.30pm patrolling police saw Mott, allegedly wearing the same clothes as in the chemist and restaurant, entered Mr Crown.

Officers spoke with Mott inside the hotel where he denied taking the items or being at the chemist. He was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with two counts of larceny.

In Wollongong Local Court yesterday, defence lawyer Elizabeth Jowett said her client was suffering from anxiety and depression, which he was managing with medication, as well as severe back pain.

She said as part of his bail conditions for unrelated matters he was seeking treatment from the Illawarra Drug and Alcohol Service.

Ms Jowett also added Mott had a place to stay but was previously homeless and had his belongings stolen, and was recently assaulted.

Magistrate Darryl Pearce said the prosecution cases were considered strong, and he was on bail at the time he committed the further offences.

Mott was refused bail and the case will return to court on December 14.

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