Police have sent seven people to Youth Aid after stopping an allegedly stolen and overloaded car that had one person unrestrained in the front passenger footwell.

Bystanders helped police track the offenders through several private properties after the group fled in different directions in Wairarapa.

“[The public’s] help is greatly appreciated and led directly to the successful apprehension of the group,” Thomson said.

Police spotted the vehicle as it went north on State Highway 2 towards Greytown about 5.20pm.

Wairarapa Area Commander, Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson said police set up road spikes just outside Greytown. The vehicle stopped on Humphries St.

The driver will appear in the Youth Court on driving charges.

Police are also investigating other offences.

Thomson said the person unrestrained in the footwell was risking their life.

“This is extremely concerning and a situation where there could have been a more serious outcome including serious injury or death.

“We are alarmed at this behaviour, as almost a third of people who die on our roads are unrestrained vehicle occupants. These deaths are preventable.”