Officers dragged the 26-year-old man from the Nissan Navara they allege he stole from near the city’s TAFE about 8am on Wednesday.

The owner spotted the car in the CBD about 10am before alerting police.

Officers started patrolling and then tracked the car to a carpark near Hungry Jacks.

The man was then arrested and has been charged with entering a dwelling with intent, stealing a car and driving while disqualified.

Police allege he entered TAFE buildings and stole several items.

“The accused has entered unlocked rooms and the library and removed keys and stationary in addition to some other clothing items,” New England Detective Inspector Ann Joy said.

“Police allege the keys he stole were to an employee’s car, who was working at the TAFE.”

The 26-year-old was granted conditional bail to front court in Armidale later this month.

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Meanwhile, police are searching for five teenagers who fled a stolen car that crashed in Armidale on Tuesday night.

The Holden Commodore was stolen between midday and 7pm from the Coles carpark in Marsh Street.

Officers were patrolling and spotted the car at the intersection of Handle Street and Elm Drive after it collided with the back of a parked car.

“At that stage five young persons all wearing dark clothing ran from the scene,” Detective Inspector Joy said.

“Police gave chase but they fled into the ground of the university.”

Police have seized the car which will be combed for forensic clues.

Detective Inspector Joy said officers were following several leads and investigations continue.