A Whakatāne man and his cat escaped unharmed after his campervan was stolen while they were asleep inside on May 6.

Police said the vehicle was unlawfully taken from The Heads about 8.50pm before being driven towards Ōhope. The man woke to find someone behind the wheel and called police as the camper travelled east.

Officers monitored the vehicle before it stopped on Wainui Rd near the State Highway 2 roundabout at about 9.10pm, reportedly after mechanical issues caused by dangerous driving.

A 28-year-old Whakatāne woman was arrested and charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and failing to stop. She appeared in the Whakatāne District Court on May 7 and was remanded in custody to reappear on June 10.

Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks praised the teamwork between the victim, call taker and responding officers that led to a safe outcome.