A man went into the Blackburn with Darwen Council visitor centre in Church Street, Blackburn, and walked out with a £700 laptop computer.
Blackburn magistrates heard that when staff noticed the equipment was missing they viewed CCTV footage which showed Paul George Brown unplug the computer, close the lid and put it under his jacket.
Brown, of Newton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft.
He was bailed for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.
Philippa White, prosecuting, said a police officer had identified Brown from the CCTV footage and when arrested he admitted selling the laptop for £100.
Ian Huggan, defending, said Brown had co-operated fully with police.
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