A group of five youths allegedly went on a crime spree across Waikato and Bay of Plenty on Friday night, stealing alcohol, cigarettes, lollies and ice creams from three stores.

Police arrested the group in Hamilton early on Saturday morning. The oldest person allegedly involved was 16 years old.

Sergeant Mike Palmer says the spate of offending began in Leamington, outside Cambridge, at 12.55am.

After allegedly breaking into a liquor store and stealing alcohol and cigarettes, the group drove some 35 kilometres to Morrinsville, where they are alleged to have tried breaking into a dairy.

Sergeant Palmer says the group tried ram-raiding the dairy but the steel bars over the shop’s door stopped them. The building’s frontage is badly damaged, he says.

The group abandoned their car and allegedly stole another, he says..

They then carried on to Waihī Beach, another 71km, where they allegedly broke in and stole lollies, ice creams and other items.

The youths continued to Katikati, a 20km drive, where they allegedly stole more alcohol from another shop.

"Police spotted the car being driven on the Paeroa-Tāhuna Rd and signalled for the driver to pull over," says Sergeant Palmer.

"The driver allegedly fled from police and a chase ensued."

Police pursued the car towards Hamilton and spiked its tyres just before Puketaha.

The car then veered into a paddock and came to a stop. Police arrested five youths.

“While we have successfully apprehended those involved, our thoughts are with the multiple victims and businesses affected by their behaviour,” says Sergeant Palmer.

“We will not tolerate this behaviour and will take enforcement action where appropriate to keep our community safe.”

The 16-year-old arrested had multiple burglary, vehicle and driving charges.

NZHerald