FALSE teeth and an air-conditioning unit were the targets of two poorly thought-out theft attempts committed by an Albury man.
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James Laurence Strauss – who appears to have a full set of teeth and no need for replacements – broke into a Lavington home in April as the victim slept inside.
The 20-year-old entered the Wahroonga Street house late on April 12 or in the early hours of the following morning.
Once inside, he grabbed the false teeth, a wedding ring and keys to an old Holden, which he took from the garage.
His crime spree didn’t last long – Strauss was arrested in McFarland Road, Wodonga about 3.30am on April 13 and the vehicle was traced back to the home.
Most of the stolen items were recovered when he was captured.
It had followed a bungled theft attempt at the Albury PCYC on February 12.
Strauss had been walking the streets and managed to push an air-conditioning unit off an outside wall.
It tumbled to the ground and he returned to his Eastern Circuit home in a bid to gather some help in removing the item, but failed to find support.
He returned with a shopping trolley and was seen by staff trying to load up the unit.
He fled the scene and police found the air conditioner in a nearby garden bed with his fingerprints all over it.
Police facts note the PCYC aims to reduce and prevent crime by and against young people by developing their skills, character and leadership.
Strauss was extradited from Wodonga on April 14 after his arrest.
He pleaded guilty to three charges in Albury Local Court on Monday via video link from Bathurst.
He will return to court on Tuesday to be sentenced.