The arrest of a 41-year-old man in Kawerau after he stole a vehicle in Napier and fled police is being heralded as a success in inter-district police communication.

Police were notified that a vehicle had been stolen in Bayview, Napier on Sunday afternoon after it was left in the driveway while its owner was inside the house.

The vehicle was driven towards Taupō, where it was seen driving past the Tarawera Cafe.

Police signalled for the vehicle to stop, but the driver continued.

Police did not initiate a pursuit and instead followed from a distance until spikes were deployed on McKee Road near Kawerau.

The vehicle came to a stop and the driver, a patched gang member, was arrested.

He appeared in Rotorua District Court on Monday charged with failing to stop and burglary.

Inspector Herby Ngawhika, Rotorua Area Commander, said it was an excellent example of inter-district and inter-area communication which allowed police to resolve a potentially dangerous situation without incident.

“We will continue to work hard to hold offenders to account, and we remind people to continue to report anything unusual or suspicious to us so we can respond appropriately.”

Information can be reported to police by calling 111 if it’s happening now or via 105 either online or over the phone if it’s after the fact.