Police have arrested 12 people during a major operation launched in response to a rise in car thefts in Ballarat.
Local police teamed up with specialist units including the Air Wing and Dog Squad for the blitz, which also targeted high-risk driving.
A man is facing several charges including dangerous driving while being pursued by police. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
Among those arrested were two 18-year-olds after officers on patrol in Ballarat East spotted an allegedly stolen car travelling at speed late on Wednesday night.
The helicopter followed the vehicle to Mount Pleasant where two occupants fled on foot to a nearby property.
A man from the Ballarat suburb of Canadian who police allege was the driver has been charged with dangerous driving while being pursued by police, car theft and licensing offences.
A woman was charged with car theft, drug possession and possessing an imitation firearm.
Both were released on bail.
The two-night operation comes as car thefts reach decade highs in the Ballarat area.
A police officer inspects a car that was seized during the operation. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
“While the community slept, we had scores of police patrolling the Ballarat area from both the ground and the sky,” Detective Senior Sergeant Elissa Smith said.
“Car thefts remain a significant concern for police and we will continue to run these targeted operations to remove reckless cars from the roads.”
She urged the community to take steps to protect themselves from car thieves.
“Such as installing on-board diagnostic port locks, parking off-street where possible and always locking doors and windows,” she said.
Police seized four cars they alleged were stolen and issued five traffic fines.