Police in New Jersey say a black bear is suspected of stealing a people carrier and taking it for a spin.

Officer Dave Dehard found the vehicle by the side of the road near Vernon Township, reports Court TV.

The passenger window had been broken and the door panels were damaged.

Police spokesman Det Sean Talt said: "He determined it was a bear because of all the bear hair inside.

"Apparently, the bear had also accidentally released the emergency brake and allowed the vehicle to roll away 40 or 50 feet away from the owner's house."

Police say the bear was probably attracted by sweets left inside the car.

"We've had animals break into houses," Det Talt said. "But this is the first time we've ever had an animal take the car like that."

Police in New Jersey say a black bear is suspected of stealing a people carrier and taking it for a spin.