When two teens were spotted trying to break into a vehicle, a police dog unit was called to the scene.

Members of the public reported the pair trying to steal a car from Kaikorai Valley Rd, Dunedin, on Saturday, about 2.15am, Senior Sergeant Bond said.

The two took-off, but despite a decent headstart they were no match for a police dog and its handler.

That dog tracked the pair around the area, and after 90 minutes they were found. They were arrested for unlawfully interfering with a motor vehicle.

The teens, aged 14 and 15, were questioned by police and referred to Youth Aid.

Police were aware of around seven vehicles broken into around the Kaikorai Valley Rd area overnight on Friday, with the pair being spoken to about those break-ins.