Alan Rain, of Pavilion Terrace, Scarborough, also caused almost £3,000 damage after attacking 27 of the town's pay and display parking machines in a wrecking spree at the beginning of April.

Later that month he forced his way into another car and stole keys from inside.

Yesterday at Scarborough Magistrates' Court, Rain was sentenced to 150 hours' community service after admitting criminal damage and two counts of theft.

He was ordered to pay £300 to both of his victims – neither of whom's items were recovered – but, due to his limited means, Scarborough Council will not receive a penny in compensation.

Prosecuting, Martin Butterworth said Rain attacked a number of parking machines with a metal bar while walking along Marine Drive.

Mr Butterworth said Rain was trying to steal the cash from inside the machines and continued to smash them when it was clear he could not get the money out.

Days later, on April 5, a Scarborough Sixth Form College student and her family left their car in The Spa car park to attend a Masquerade Ball at the venue

When they returned, they found someone had smashed their way in and taken birthday presents and priceless photographs.

Then, two weeks later, he broke into a car parked in the Aquarium Top underground car park.

Rain, who is originally from the North East and recently moved to Scarborough to live with a friend, turned himself in to Sunderland police after hearing a press release relating to his crimes.

Nick Tubbs, mitigating, said Rain may never have been detected had he not handed himself in, adding: "He is anxious to make amends and is prepared to pay what you think is right."