A wanted car thief hid from police by slipping inside a giant teddy bear.

Joshua Dobson, 18, disappeared into the five-foot tall stuffed toy after making a hole at the back.

However, his hiding place was discovered when police officers searching an address spotted the bear was “breathing”.

Dobson, from Rochdale, was jailed for nine months for theft of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified and leaving a petrol station without paying for fuel.

Picture: Greater Manchester Police

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said:

“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 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…”