23 year old man stole lifesize cardboard of Justin Bieber

A 23-year-old man has been arrested for stealing a life-size cardboard cutout of pop heartthrob Justin Bieber.

David Dowling made off with the picture of the teen singing sensation after taking it from a record store in Bradenton, Florida, say police.

When security guards and police officers caught up with the opportunist he jovially admitted that he was ‘just having fun holding Justin Bieber hostage’.

The shop’s assistant manager was hot on their heels as they attempted to sprint through the mall with Bieber under their arms.

‘They exited the store passing all points of sale without paying for the cutout and made no attempt to purchase the item,’ an arrest report states.

‘They then ran through Sears with the item which was caught on video by the Sears loss prevention.

‘The assistant manager of F.Y.E gave chase and caught up with them and retrieved the cutout and told them to return with her to the store. They both fled the area.’

Mall security guards eventually found the pair hiding in bushes outside the shopping centre.

Dowling, who is currently in custody, has been charged with petit theft and giving a false name while lawfully detained.

He is due to appear in court on September 15.

His alleged accomplice, who has not been named, is understood to be a minor.

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