A police car has been badly damaged after trying to stop a stolen vehicle.

Police received information at 7am about the location of a truck that had been stolen overnight in the Bay of Plenty.

The stolen truck was traveling from Rotorua and was towing a low trailer with a digger on it.

A police spokesperson says officers laid road spikes on State Highway 38 at Kaingaroa, in an effort to stop the vehicle.

'In an attempt to avoid the spikes, the driver of the stolen vehicle has left the road, and colliding with a police car in the process.

'The alleged offending driver has suffered moderate leg injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

'Police will be speaking with him.”

People with information about the alleged theft are asked to contact their nearest police station.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.