Alleged ram raiders fled on deflated tyres after their car ran over road spikes at Karapiro last night.

Senior Sergeant Will Loughrin said the alleged offenders used a stolen car and drove it into a shop in Matamata shortly before 2am. They stole clothing and other items.

A patrol car followed the fleeing car and police set up cordons and road spikes.

"The offenders' car was successfully spiked at the expressway entrance in Karapiro.

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"The vehicle then fled on deflated tyres and police followed under lights and sirens.

"They were finally apprehended on Pope Tce, Cambridge, and all stolen items were recovered."

Three men, – two aged 20 and one 17 - are in custody on a range of charges, including burglary, unlawful taking of a vehicle, reckless driving and failing to stop.

They are to appear in Hamilton District Court this morning.