Three Dunedin youths allegedly stole three cars across Canterbury before being stopped by Ashburton police on Sunday.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said three youths — a 14-year-old and two others under 14 — stole a Toyota Vitz from Hazel Ave in Dunedin then headed north.
About 8pm, the stolen vehicle was located in Douglas St, Timaru with the engine running and front left tyre blown.
Members of the public reported seeing the three youths leaving the Toyota Vitz.
A short time later, a Mazda Demio was stolen from Cambridge St, in Timaru.
The trio continued to head north and the stolen Mazda Demio was later found in Davie St, Temuka.
The youths then stole a second Mazda Demio and continued to drive north.
Police found the youths driving in the third vehicle in Temuka but they fled.
Police set up road spikes further north and the car eventually stopped in the Hinds area.
The three youths were taken into custody and referred to Youth Aid.
The 14-year-old driver faces several charges, including unlawfully taking three motor vehicles, unlawfully entering a motor vehicle, failure to stop and dangerous driving.
