Three teens taken into custody after stolen car driven from Whangārei to Auckland

Three young teenagers have been referred to Youth Aid after spkies were used to stop a stolen car that had been driven from Whangārei to Auckland.

Police say the car was driven in a reckless and dangerous manner during last night's incident.

A Toyota Aqua was stolen from outside an address on Okara Drive in Whangārei about 5.10pm, after two youths were allegedly observed shoplifting a screwdriver from a nearby supermarket, said Acting Senior Sergeant Jane Cornish of Manurewa Police.

"Just after 10.30pm, officers in Counties Manukau observed the stolen vehicle travelling near Weymouth Road without its headlights on.

"Eagle was deployed and tracked the vehicle from above as it drove dangerously across Manurewa."

Spikes were used on Great South Road, and the vehicle was stopped on McAnnalley Street.

The three occupants - aged 13, 14 and 15 - fled the scene, but were soon found hiding behind a nearby commercial premises.

Cornish said a screwdriver was located at the scene.

"This was a dangerous display of driving that put the vehicle's occupants and the public at risk," said Cornish.