OWNER WANTED: The puppy was found cowering in the car after the offenders fled police.

Christchurch police are hoping to re-home some unusual - but cute - proceeds of crime. A puppy.

The dog, estimated to be about six weeks old, was found cowering under a seat in a car after the occupants bolted from police.

A police spokesman said police pursued a car near Linwood Ave in Christchurch about 7pm Saturday after it failed to stop when asked.

The chase was dropped after a few minutes for safety reasons, but a short while later police spotted the Ford Fairmont again.

This time they caught up with it and three occupants ditched the car and ran.

The spokesman said one male was caught, but another two people managed to get away.

When police inspected the car, they found a "very cute puppy" cowering under a seat.

The spokesman said the apprehended male refused to tell them who owned the puppy and as there were other items of stolen property in the car, they believed the puppy may have been stolen too.

Constable Marisha Allen is hoping to find puppy's owners. Meanwhile, it is at the pound.

Anyone with information is asked to contact her on (03) 363 7400.