Nineteen-year-old Kyle Raymond Thomas-Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty on Thursday to a string of pre-Christmas crimes across the state, including motor vehicle stealing, burglary, stealing and breach of bail.

The court heard that Thomas-Fitzpatrick - who was homeless for three years - broke into cars and houses in October, November and December last year in a desperate attempt to find money for food, clothes and shelter.

Thomas-Fitzpatrick was involved in more than 10 different incidents with a co-accused man.

The crimes ranged from the theft of wallets inside unlocked vehicles at Kingston and surrounding suburbs, to playing a role in the home invasion of a mentally ill elderly woman - who was targeted three times by the men in one night.

The court heard that on several occasions Thomas-Fitzpatrick stole and destroyed cars in Devonport and West Moonah while affected by drugs.

He also stole credit cards and electronic items in an effort to buy clothes at Kmart and repay debts.

After being caught by police, he then breached bail on a number of occasions.

Thomas-Fitzpatrick's lawyer James Oxley said his client was the product of "an abysmal" upbringing, which saw the 19-year-old raised by 52 different foster families.

Mr Oxley said his client had been in custody for more than 70 days, during which time he was shunned in Risdon Prison by his former criminal associates for ratting on them to police during the investigation.

Magistrate Michael Brett said Thomas-Fitzpatrick's circumstances had left him in a predicament.

He said he was unsure whether to deal the 19-year-old a suspended sentence and release him back into a life of homelessness, or jail him and risk him being harmed by his former friends.

The matter has been adjourned until September 2 at 2.15pm to allow Mr Brett to consider the case.