A thief drank a “significant amount” with friends then stole more than £5,000 worth of luggage at Paddington Station.
Adam Newton, 30, told officers he had spent the day drinking in Soho then headed to the station where he stole five bags and looted them outside.
He has been handed an 18 month community order which involves Newton undergoing treatment for drug dependency.
Newton, of no fixed address, was seen on CCTV on Friday 23 November hopping between trains between the hours of 4pm and 8pm, taking cases from luggage racks.
Electronics, clothing, jewellery and other personal items were stolen.
He was arrested later the same day at Kings Cross station for breaching a community behaviour order which barred him from entering both Kings Cross and Paddington stations, and for being on any platform or boarding any train in London without a valid ticket.
Further investigation linked him to the thefts at Paddington.
Newton pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Thursday 7 February.
British Transport Police PC Malvern Steel said: “Unfortunately, bags and luggage remain targets for opportunistic thieves such as Newton. Therefore, passengers should be vigilant when using the rail network.
“When storing bags on board trains, try to store them in the above compartments near to where you’re sitting, or if you’re carrying a large bag and it needs to be placed within the luggage racks, try to remain within eyesight. Also consider keeping valuables such as electronics in a bag that’s light enough to keep on you at all times.”