Law enforcement authorities are using a rather unconventional approach to lure a wanted man. Authorities in Tandridge, Surrey are currently searching for Jack Hackman who is wanted in connection with a September 19 robbery in Caterham. However, after realizing it was the suspect's birthday on Tuesday, cops decided to offer him a Marks & Spencer birthday cake instead of putting out a standard police appeal. Hackman could have his birthday cake but only if he turned himself in.

The strawberry and Cornish clotted cream cake is being offered to Hackman for free, authorities say. He can also avail at least one night's accommodation in a prison cell if he decides to give himself up. 

Surrey Police wrote on Facebook: "Jack Hackman, we hear it's your birthday and we'd really like to catch up with you to give you your present. Our gift to you is a minimum 1 night's stay (maybe more...) in a luxury apartment with en-suite facilities and room service (secure cell with thin mattress and aluminum toilet) with full English breakfast (microwave meal for one!) We have even got you a lovely M&S birthday cake **other cakes were available. This offer is valid until we find you so don't worry you won't lose it, and don't worry we'll keep looking for you at all your friends and family addresses to make sure you get it!"

"If anyone else sees Jack or knows where he is please let us know by calling 101. Happy birthday from everyone at Caterham Police Station and us here at TandridgeBeat (WS) #YourM&S #HappyBirthday," the force added.

The creative police appeal subsequently went viral and received over 21,000 likes. That said, the wanted suspect's Facebook profile gloats that he is "currently wanted by many including the police. Mans is popular ya dun kno."

In a conversation with Daily Mail, a spokesman for Surrey Police said, "We are appealing for the public’s help in tracing Jack Hackman, 26, a wanted man from Caterham. We would like to speak to Jack in connection with a robbery in Caterham on 19 September."

According to Jack's police description, he is 175cm tall, white, of a lean build, brown eyes, and blonde hair.

"Any sightings of him should be reported to us straightaway on 101 quoting PR/45180100698. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111," it adds.

User Iain Scott commented: "Best catch him quick then troops, cake expires on the 27th September."

Manchester resident Martin Holt wrote: "Sounds good I'll be jack Hackman for 1 night. Not had a full English in years and that cake looks good. If you can send it over to Manchester Constabulary save me traveling thanks."

Another user, Pete Ward posted: "This is brilliant! shout out to the officer who runs this page this is mint."

While Gemma Elizabeth Schiebe wrote: "This is brilliant... hats off to the officers working hard to catch these guys... and to the one running this page.. this approach has certainly reached a lot of people.. job done! Xx"