Stolen cars found burned, dumped and crashed in Northland

Police are asking rural and small town communities to be vigilant after three stolen cars were found crashed, burned or dumped in Northland.

The cars were found in Glenbervie, Paparoa and Whareora. A station wagon stolen from Woodhill between 3am and 6am on Sunday was crashed on Vinegar Hill Rd shortly after.

"If you see something that is suspicious or doesn't look right please report it," said Sergeant Claire Carter.

A 19-year-old male, who police said was a disqualified driver, has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and careless driving. He will appear in the Whangarei District Court this week.

Meanwhile, a vehicle was found burned out on the corner of Puketotara and Maruata Rds in Glenbervie just before 3am on Sunday. The vehicle had been reported stolen, police said.

Another car reported stolen was found engulfed in flames on Whareora Rd, near Mt Tiger Rd, about 11.20am on Sunday.

And a vehicle reported stolen from a Whangarei address was found damaged 3km from Mangapai Rd just before 7pm on Sunday.