Rebecca Sangestino's attempt to break into a west-end home earlier this year was captured on camera.
An Alexandra Street resident not only viewed the accused's actions that night, but also watched as she swiped the doorbell camera.
Sangestino, 34, pleaded guilty to theft stemming from the March 13 incident.
The complainant "was watching it happen in real time," assistant Crown attorney Adrianna Mucciarelli told a judge Friday.
Ontario Court Justice Romuald heard a neighbour told police she spotted the woman heading toward Toronto Street, and officers subsequently located the accused in the area and the camera was nearby.
Sangestino also was convicted of a number of other offences, including counts of failing to attend court and breach of probation, when she appeared in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom.
On Sept. 16 of last year, the cops responded to a call about a woman kicking in a window at the Station Mall.
Sangestino had shattered the glass in a door at the mall entrance near the Scotiabank.
She was charged, but it turned out she didn't tell the truth about her identity.
On Oct. 5, another woman contacted the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service because Sangestino had been using her name.
The accused pleaded guilty to mischief, possession of identity documents and impersonation.
The Crown and defence lawyer Ken Walker jointly proposed a four-month jail sentence, less credit for the time his client has spent in pre-sentence custody, plus two years probation.
Kwolek heard Sangestio has a criminal record with offences that include assault with a weapon, possession of a firearm, mischief and failing to comply with court orders.
Sangestino has a problem with cocaine and crystal meth, Walker said.
"Owing to her addiction she couldn't tell me how long she's been in custody," he told the judge.
These aren't the worst crimes and more than half are administrative offences, such as failing to attend court, Walker said.
"It's unfortunate and comes directly from her addiction."
When Kwolek imposed the sentence he called it an appropriate position, given the pleas of guilt and substance abuse issues.
With the enhanced credit of 1.5 days for each day she's already spent in custody (the equivalent of 71 days), Sangestino faces a further 49 days behind bars.
Once she completes this jail term she will be on probation for two years with conditions that include no contact with the victim of the Alexandra Street theft.
As well, she must stay away from the Station Mall and can't possess any identity documents or credit cards unless they are lawfully issued in her name.
Sangestino must take any recommended counselling, including substance abuse.
"I hope you take advantage of probation this time. You have a lot of issues," Kwolek told her. "Counselling is a positive support for you."
He also ordered her to provide a DNA sample for the national registry.