Alleged Melbourne thief bitten by the law

A Melbourne driver has felt the full force of the law after allegedly trying to steal a car only to be bitten on the leg by a police dog.

The 20-year-old is under guard in hospital with minor injuries accused of trying to steal the vehicle from a backyard in Hoppers Crossing about 2.40am on Tuesday.

Police say he was initially behind the wheel of an erratically-driven car that led them on a short pursuit before crashing into a fence.

They say the man ran from the scene but was found by the canine attempting to steal the second vehicle. He has been charged with driving, theft and drug offences.