Police have caught a child who allegedly stole several cars in a string of thefts overnight in Dunedin.
A police spokesperson said earlier they were investigating eight thefts believed to be connected on Monday night.
Police have now confirmed a youth has been taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon in relation to the car thefts. He will be referred to Youth Aid.
According to the Otago Daily Times, the cars were taken by a 12-year-old boy who is known for such behaviour and was in the care of Oranga Tamariki.
The outlet reported the boy likely would steal the cars, which were almost all Mazda Demios, and drive searching for other cars to steal, leaving the car behind when he came across a new target.
Mazda Demios are the most-stolen vehicles in New Zealand and police urge people to get a wheel lock to help protect their car from thieves.
"This is a timely reminder for people to secure their vehicles, especially if they have to be parked on the street," Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said.
"A wheel lock is an affordable option that can deter opportunistic thieves from being interested in your vehicle."
