But generally, they are not so good for hiding people from police.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said officers were travelling in Taieri Rd about 12.10am on Saturday when they spotted a driver wanted by police.
The man was a disqualified driver.
When police attempted to follow the vehicle, it ‘‘took off’’, so officers did not pursue. Instead, they set up cordons in the area, he said.
A short time later, the vehicle was found empty and a police dog team was brought in to track the driver.
‘‘But whilst that was happening, another vehicle’s come to our cordon with a female driver. She said she was just out for a drive.
"Police looked under the mink blanket in the back seat and discovered the 42-year-old male that we were seeking.
‘‘Your normal back seat is fairly flat. It was obvious to police staff that there was someone hiding under the blanket.’’
Snr Sgt Bond said while the man’s car was being impounded, police conducted an inventory search of the vehicle and found a wallet and bag containing the man’s identification, as well as cannabis and methamphetamine.
The 42-year-old has been charged with driving while disqualified, possession of methamphetamine, possession of utensils for methamphetamine, possession for supply of cannabis plant, and two charges of failing to carry out obligations in regards to giving pass codes on cellphones.
Snr Sgt Bond said the man was not given an infringement notice for not wearing his seatbelt in the back seat.
‘‘I think that going to court on those charges should be enough of a consequence for him.’’
He is due to appear in the Dunedin District Court.
Investigations are continuing.
