Authorities in Canberra, Australia , stopped four children aged 10 to 14 who packed fishing rods in a parent's SUV, and left a farewell note before driving more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) down the Australian east coast for a day.
Officers explained that when the children were stopped by police near Grafton in New South Wales state at 10:40 p.m. Sunday, they locked the doors and refused to get out, before an officer used a baton to break the window of the 2004 Nissan Patrol, which had been reported stolen by worried parents.
Acting Police Inspector Darren Williams said the children are: a 14-year-old boy, two 13-year-old boys and a 10-year-old girl.
"It's a long way, in excess of 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from Rockhampton down to Grafton. I couldn't imagine one person actually driving all that way in two days," Williams told reporters.
The children were chased after failing to pay for fuel at Outback gas stations in the Queensland town of Banana and the New South Wales town of Warialda, police said.
"They were also chased by police in the New South Wales town of Glen Innes, where a 13-year-old was suspected to be driving," Williams said.
"There was a short pursuit up there with the Highway Patrol and due to the age of the driver and the road conditions, that was terminated by the Highway Patrol officers ... and the general duties police that were involved," he said.
Banana Truck Stop cashier Harry White said the SUV drove off without paying for diesel at 4:35 a.m. Sunday. White said the theft involved 82 liters (more than 21 gallons) of diesel worth about 120 Australian dollars (more than $107).
He said he was struck by the short stature of the driver, who didn't stand as tall as the SUV's door. Police said all four range from 150 centimeters (5 feet) tall to 160 centimeters (5 feet, 4 inches) tall.
"The driver behaved casually as he filled the car, then spoke to a passenger before hanging up the gas pump and took off," White said.
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