POLICE have charged two 17-year-old males with motor vehicle stealing after allegedly catching them driving a stolen van at Invermay early this morning.

Launceston Police Inspector Michael Johnston said the youths were intercepted by police about 1.30am.

The Toyota van had allegedly been stolen earlier that night and Inspector Johnston said the owner of the van did not even know it was missing.

The Launceston youths face a combined total of 23 charges.

The youth who was allegedly driving the van was charged with 14 offences including four counts of motor vehicle stealing and burglary and traffic offences.

The other youth was charged with five counts of motor vehicle stealing and faces five charges for other offences.

Both will appear before court at a later date.

Inspector Johnston said police were concerned that motor vehicles continued to be left insecure.

"If we keep our property secure, we make it harder for people to steal it,'' he said.

Police forensic officers are examining the van this morning. It is expected to be returned to the owner today.