Christopher Coulthard, of no fixed abode, appeared by video link before Sudbury magistrates last week and admitted three church burglaries — including one at Southwell's Holy Trinity Church.
Coulthard was caught on 14th February after a building contractor responded to a text message sent out by Suffolk police appealing for information as part of a new messaging system called Police Direct.
The contractor spotted him entering a church, recognised him from the police description and contacted the police just seconds after the appeal message was sent.
Said Chief Supt Mark Cordell of Suffolk Police: "The eyes and ears of the public are essential to help us fight crime and Police Direct enables us to harness this power.
"This arrest outlines the power of Police Direct and proves what an excellent crime fighting tool it is."
Coulthard also asked for 76 related offences — including a string of offences in Nottinghamshire — to be taken into consideration.
He was remanded in custody until a sentencing hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on a date to be fixed.