William Smart appeared at Stawell Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to trespassing and possession of cannabis.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable David Cosgriff told the court that Smart and a co-accused, who was not at court, broke into the property in September 2017 believing it was abandoned.

"They arrived at the storage facility, which was not open to the public, and gained access," he said.

"They made their way to a ute and attempted to remove a tool box from its tray.

"They removed several items, including power tools, to the value of about $1700. They were seen loading the tools into another vehicle."

Leading Senior Constable Cosgriff said when police located Smart and searched his vehicle, they found a plastic container with cannabis.

"He made full admissions to the theft and trespass," Leading Senior Constable Cosgriff said.

Smart told the court he and the co-accused thought they "could make some money" from "abandoned" items.

"We thought the place and tools were abandoned. We wouldn't have taken anything if we thought they belonged to someone," he said.

"Once the owners arrived and told us it wasn't abandoned, we loaded all the stuff back onto the ute. We weren't interested in stealing anything from anyone."

Magistrate Peter Dunn said Smart's excuse did "not make much sense".

"So if I throw you in jail and you leave your things behind in your house, does that mean anyone can go and take it? I don't think so," he said.

"Things of value generally aren't just left for anyone to take as they please."

Smart was convicted and placed on a community corrections order for 12 months.

He must complete 150 hours of community work.

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