A MAN was caught on camera trying a car door handle parked outside the owner's house.
Blackburn Magistrates heard a month later Stuart Jake Andrews gave a repeat performance at a different address and this time the home camera caught him stealing items from a car.
Andrews, 48, of Kime Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to vehicle interference and theft from a vehicle.
He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 50 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £33 compensation and £30 victim surcharge.
Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said the owner of the first car checked his CCTV when he got up for work and saw a man trying the door of his car. He handed the footage to the police who identified Andrews.
The court heard the second victim also checked his CCTV after a neighbour told him his car had been broken into. He also had footage to hand to the police from which they identified the defendant.
Mark Williams, defending, said his client had been out of trouble for 15 months which was quite an achievement for someone with his record. He said his client's benefits had been stopped, he got behind with his rent and was evicted.
"In the past he offended because of a drug habit but that is not the case now as he is completely clean of drugs," said Mr Williams.
He said no damage had been caused to either vehicle.
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