A van owner gave chase after three men were spotted trying to enter his vehicle.
Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard he managed to detain one of them until police arrived.
James Robb, 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to vehicle interference.
He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 10 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.
He was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in costs.
District Judge Alexandra Preston said she was trying to give the defendant a chance to work with the probation service.
"If you don't take the chance, you will end up back in prison," she said.
Elisa Kukla, prosecuting, said a phone app which monitored the CCTV raised the alarm at 5am.
The CCTV showed three men approaching the van.
They all ran off when the owner left his house and challenged them, but he followed and was able to recognise Robb, who was wearing a distinctive jacket.
Bradley Hayes, offering mitigation, said his client had a drug habit which was behind his offending.
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