A Canberra man who went on a five-day crime rampage has apologised to his 39 victims, and will be allowed out of jail for drug rehabilitation after striking a deal with some of them.

Michael Paul Forrest, 24, was arrested in July 2015, when he was initially charged with 97 offences, although he later pleaded guilty to only 37 charges.

The crime spree took place in suburbs throughout the ACT, from Gold Creek in the north to Kambah in the south.

He repeatedly broke into cars, smashing windows, many of them in underground secure carparks.

In several cases he took keys, worked out the addresses of the owners from receipts in the cars, and then burgled their homes.

He damaged nearly 40 cars and stole more than $40,000 in property by the time he was caught.

While in jail, Forrest joined a restorative justice program, writing to each victim to apologise.

He has an agreement with eight of the victims that they will not seek jail, if he will go to rehabilitation.

A report to the court said Forrest's "eyes had been opened" by the impact his crimes had on other people.

Sentencing delayed until next year

The court heard he had taken cannabis and ice since he was a young teenager, but had succeeded with a rehabilitation program in jail, and was hoping to join another when he was released.

Justice Richard Refshauge described the crime spree as a "sustained rampage", noting he had some reservations.

"Mr Forrest has a worrying criminal history," he said.

But he acknowledged a significant number of the victims supported the rehabilitation option.

"His drug abuse and mental health is a significant contribution to his offending behaviour, and the community would be better protected if he were to address his problems," he said.

Justice Refshauge agreed to defer Forrest's sentence until next year, to allow him to show progress.

"This is a really important opportunity for you — don't make a fool of me," he said.

"If you run away you will go back to prison."

Forrest will be released tomorrow.