Police involved in low speed digger chase

The digger driver is in police custody.

A 16-year-old boy accused of stealing a digger and embarking on an hour-long "reckless and alcohol-fuelled escapade" through the streets of Christchurch last night claims he'd earlier bought booze unchallenged at a city liquor store.

The young man appeared in Youth Court in Christchurch this morning facing seven charges relating to last night's alleged joy-riding rampage.

Police were called to a Christchurch address at around 10.20pm, where a large digger was reportedly being driven into fences and parked cars.

The driver did not stop for police when they arrived at the scene and made for a not-so-speedy getaway, Inspector Derek Erasmus said.

"The driver then drove the vehicle at low speed around a number of eastern Christchurch streets," Mr Erasmus said.

"Shortly before midnight the vehicle was driven along Fitzgerald Ave heading towards the city on the wrong side of the road.

"The risk to the public and police had significantly increased and a decision was made to use chemical munitions to stop the vehicle."

Police gassed the cab of the vehicle, causing it to slow and the driver to jump from the cab.

A police officer then entered the vehicle and brought it to a stop.

Officers grabbed the youngster at the scene.

The youth, who has name suppression, has been charged with a range of offences, including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, intentional damage, reckless driving and driving with excess breath alcohol.

The youth, who appeared in court with a scraped and bloodied face, told Judge Noel Walsh this morning that he had bought a 12-pack of Billy Maverick bourbon and cola from a Linwood liquor store earlier in the evening.

He claimed he was not asked for ID, and had done the same thing "about twice" before.

A concerned Judge Walsh suggested to police in court that they "follow up on this".

Judge Walsh granted the youth bail with strict conditions to a Christchurch address but told him he was "in very deep water" for what he described as an alleged "reckless and alcohol-fuelled escapade which potentially put innocent road users and the general public at risk".

Mr Erasmus said it was fortunate no-one was hurt in the incident.

He urged anyone who has this morning noticed damage to their property, which may be linked to the incident, to report it to police as soon as possible.

With so much construction equipment in the city, police urged owners to ensure their vehicles are locked and cannot be accessed by members of the public.

It was also important that any unusual activity in and around construction sites was reported straight away, police said.

Anyone with information or damage to their property that may be linked to this incident is asked to call Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 363 7400.