Safely resolving a fleeing incident, allegedly involving eight youths who were all too young to drive, was a top priority for Waitematā Police in the early hours of this morning.
At about 3.20am, a Police unit observed a stolen Toyota travelling through the Massey area.
Waitematā West Area Response Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Bartlett, says the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed along with the Delta Dog Unit as the vehicle travelled along State Highway 1.
"The vehicle failed to stop after exiting the Waterview Tunnel, despite being signalled by Police.
"It took off at speed and Police opted not to pursue, as it continued along the South-Western Motorway towards Blockhouse Bay."
Acting Senior Sergeant Bartlett says the vehicle was successfully spiked on State Highway 20, near the Hillsborough off-ramp.
"Eight youths, all aged between 12 and15, were taken into custody.
"It's a good result all round and thankfully no one was injured."
Three youths will appear in the Waitakere Youth Court this week on a range of related charges including dangerous driving and failing to stop.
