Four young people are facing charges after stealing a car in Dunedin and using it to steal petrol from service stations across the city.

Police received reports on Monday night that a Nissan had been stolen from a residential address in Caversham.

Throughout Tuesday, the stolen vehicle was spotted conducting petrol drive-offs from at least two Dunedin service stations.

The situation escalated around 4.40pm when police received multiple calls from the public reporting dangerous driving behaviour.

"Police received multiple calls from members of public reporting the stolen vehicle being driven dangerously, tail-gaiting and braking erratically," said Inspector Porima Rangitutia, Otago Coastal Area Commander.

Police located the vehicle on North Road and followed it at a distance before successfully deploying road spikes in Waitati. The car came to a stop on State Highway 1 north of Dunedin.

All four youths were arrested without incident.

The driver faces charges for unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and theft relating to the stolen petrol. All four will be referred to police Youth Aid services.

Police are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward. Information can be provided by calling 105 or online at police.govt.nz/use-105, referencing file number 260505/9609.

Anonymous tips can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The arrests highlight ongoing issues with youth crime in Otago, with police continuing to work with community services to address underlying causes.

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