Six young people, the youngest aged 12, were arrested after a series of vehicle break-ins in Kāpiti.
Police said they received several calls from the public between 12.15 and 1.15am this morning reporting vehicles being disturbed in the Waikanae Beach area.
The youth reportedly fled in two vehicles, which police located a short time later. The six youth fled each vehicle on foot before they were arrested.
Two were 12 years old, two 13, one 15 and one 16, police said.
Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Tracey Thompson said the age of these young people is a real worry.
"I'm aware that the recent spate of vehicle thefts is something our Kāpiti community are really concerned about. It's not an issue police can address alone.
"We need all of our whānau and community to wrap themselves around vulnerable young people to steer them towards better outcomes."