A 46-year-old Tauranga man charged with stealing four vehicles while the owners were filling up at petrol stations will remain behind bars for a week.

Sean Patrick Broderick appeared in Tauranga Registrar's Court today charged with unlawfully taking four motor vehicles and shoplifting.

The charges relate to the four vehicles stolen last week whilst the owners were filling them with petrol at different Tauranga service stations.

It is alleged on July 28 Broderick stole a Holden Commodore valued at $8000, and on July 31 a Ford Ranger valued at $35,000.

Then on August 1 he is accused of stealing a Toyota Corolla valued at $10,000 and a Great Wall valued at $18,000.

The cars were taken from Pak'n Save fuel on Cameron Rd, Mobil on Chapel St, Mobil on Otumoetai Rd and BP Summit on Waihi Rd.

Broderick was identified from CCTV footage from the service stations.

He is remanded in custody to re-appear in Tauranga District Court on August 11.

Police have recovered two of the stolen vehicles but still seek the public's assistance to recover the 2003 blue Holden Commodore VY, registration number BEM 464 and the 2011 white Ford Ranger, registered number GDR774.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 5774300. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.