Police apprehended five people in Tuatapere yesterday morning (29 Dec) following a number of reports of vehicles being stolen.

Three vehicles were recovered, one having been stolen from Invercargill, one from Orepuki and one from Tuatapere.

Police said a 21-year-old male, an 18-year-old male and an 18-year-old female were arrested and have been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Two youths, aged 16 and 17, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.

Police thanked the Tuatapere and Orepuki communities who actively assisted in the swift apprehension of the group, preventing the opportunity for further offending within these rural communities.

Inquiries remain ongoing in relation to further offending Police believe the group may have committed prior to their arrest.