Tyre tracks in the snow alerted a thief who made off with a bicycle worth more than £1,000 from an unlocked shed.
Christopher Jones of Shakespeare Avenue in Grantham admitted burglary of a non-dwelling with intent to steal.
Chris Pye-Smith, defending, said Jones, 34, came to commit the offence in Harlaxton Road, Grantham, after taking shelter in an alleyway during a blizzard on March 24.
Mr Pye-Smith said: “He saw tyre tracks leading to a shed.
“He had the impression the property was unoccupied. He did not go into the house but did go into an insecure shed and remove the bicycle.
“He was caught within a short space of time.”
Mr Pye-Smith described the crime as “an offence committed on impulse”.
Jones was caught when a passing police officer saw him with the bike shortly after the theft. The Focus Variado bike was estimated to be worth £1,200.
Jones also admitted stealing sealant from Wilkinsons worth £7.99.
Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting, told the court Jones was caught on CCTV placing the sealant under his t-shirt before leaving the store.
Jones admitted both offences, as well as breaching a suspended prison sentence.
Magistrates decided to activate the suspended prison sentence and sentence Jones to 10 weeks in custody.