Wanted man found hiding from cops inside giant teddy now "stuffed behind bars"

An 18-year-old car thief was caught when officers at his address spotted the huge teddy "breathing" and now he must serve nine months in jail and life of embarrassment.

A wanted car thief who tried using a teddy bear to hide from police has been jailed, The Daily Star reports. 

Joshua Dobson from Rochdale, Greater Manchester stole a car in the town in May and also sped off without paying for fuel.

The 18-year-old was found by police inside a large teddy at his house when they noticed it "breathing".

As well as the online embarrassment, the young man must also handed a nine-month jail term.

GMP Rochdale wrote on Facebook: "A wanted car thief who tried using a teddy bear to hide from our neighbourhood cops out looking for him last month has been put behind bars for nine months.

"Joshua Dobson (18), from the #Spotland area of the town, was sought by us after stealing a car in May and not paying for fuel that same day.

"When we went to arrest him, our officers noticed a large bear breathing in the address before finding Dobson hidden inside!

"He's now stuffed behind bars after being sentenced last week for theft of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, and making off from a petrol station without payment.

"Hopefully he has a bearable time inside..."

Greater Manchester Police carried on the pun fun, adding: "Our neighbourhood task force and divisional tasking team in #Rochdale could bearly believe what they stumbled across in search for a wanted man last month...

"We certainly had a more than bearable time last week being able to bring to justice one of the town's thieves!"

In response, Facebook user Marie Spiers said: "Imagine living with that story for the rest of your life, that’s worse than a prison sentence."

"Bet that made the arresting officer ‘paws’ in this tracks" Mandy Chisham added.

Jayne Greenop said: "You have to give him 10 out of 10 for ingenuity, should have just held his breath."