Marlborough Police have arrested five young people in Blenheim after car thefts across the upper South Island.
The youths were taken into custody in Springlands, Blenheim, after police tracked one of the stolen vehicles that had been abandoned.
Police were aware of several car thefts across Nelson and Blenheim since Monday.
Detective Sergeant Lindsay Tilbury said the offenders have been referred to local youth services and police will continue to work with the families involved.