Accusations of impersonating police and kidnapping have landed three people in court in the Bay of Plenty.

Police allege that on September 13, two youths were detained by two men and a woman presenting themselves as police officers in an unmarked police car between Rotorua and Whakatāne.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Clements said in a statement that one of the men had a 2017 black Holden Commodore which had previously been a police vehicle.

He said it had been stripped of police equipment and markings before auction, but was allegedly refitted with off-market lights “to give it the appearance of an unmarked police car”.

Clements said the three accused were in plain clothes.

Police arrested and charged a 34-year-old man this week in relation to this incident and prior incidents of impersonating police.

He was remanded in custody and due to reappear in Whakatāne District Court on October 7, charged with impersonating personnel, indecent assault, intimidation, two counts of kidnapping and five counts of impersonating police.

A 19-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were also arrested.

The 19-year-old is due in Whakatāne District Court today charged with indecent assault, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of impersonating police.

The woman is due in Whakatāne District Court on September 29, charged with kidnapping.

Clements said it was a traumatic incident for the victims, and police were taking it seriously.

Police wanted to hear from anyone in the Eastern Bay of Plenty who may have had interactions with the group, or anyone using the Commodore to pose as police officers.

Any information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, using file number 260914/4066.

Clements said if anyone doubting they were speaking with a real police officer should ask for their police-issued ID, and call 111. A police communicator could identify the officer.