James David Thorn, 31, was charged with a string of offences including attempting to steal three vehicles by force armed with scissors, successfully stealing a car and dangerous driving.

He did not enter pleas and did not apply for bail. The court heard that at the time of these alleged offences Thorn was on bail awaiting sentence for other crimes.

Thorn allegedly stole a silver Toyota Corolla by force on Friday morning on Reed Street, Greenway.

On Saturday morning police received reports of a silver Corolla driving dangerously on Boddington Crescent in Kambah.

Thorn then allegedly attempted to steal two cars using force at the petrol station on Marconi Crescent, Kambah. Members of the public attempted to intervene but were allegedly threatened with the scissors by Thorn.

Thorn then allegedly drove across the road to the Kambah Village Shopping Centre carpark and collided with a parked vehicle.

In the carpark, Thorn allegedly attempted another carjacking, however, members of the public were able to trap him inside the car using their own vehicles until police arrived.

A witness to the incident saw armed police surround the alleged carjacker while he was still in the vehicle.

One police officer in tactical response gear stood on the bonnet of the car while the situation unfolded.

Officers eventually opened the door and dragged the man from the vehicle and arrested him.

Photos taken of the scene in the shopping centre carpark showed blood on the ground.

Samantha Walshe, who works in the nearby bakery, said police asked her to give them a bucket of water to clean up the blood.

ACT Policing reported no one was seriously injured during the incidents and also called for community caution in such situations.

"Police don't encourage people to take matters into their own hands, however, on this occasion police praise the brave actions of the members of the public who intervened," a police spokesman said.

Thorn's defence lawyer ordered a forensic mental health report for his client.

Thorn was remanded in custody and will return to court in June.