Police issued hundreds of infringement notices overnight as they targeted boy racers and other anti-social behaviour on the roads this long weekend.
In Wellington, officers issued 138 infringement notices and took 19 vehicles off the streets last night, according to a police media release.
One person was arrested after failing to stop and fleeing from officers, with an allegedly stolen Subaru seized, after it was tracked by a police helicopter.
Meanwhile, in the Bay of Plenty, Operation Vendico resulted in 163 infringement notices issued, while Canterbury’s Operation Cartel saw over 150 infringements handed out.
Acting Wellington District Commander Nick Thom said over 300 vehicles were dispersed as part of Operation Kereru.
“These events are dangerous and will not be tolerated in Wellington,” he said.
“Police air support unit helicopter known as Eagle, supported our staff on the ground in successfully dispersing around 300 vehicles over the course of the evening.”
He said people causing trouble “were met in force by police ready and waiting for them.”
Five vehicles were seized by bailiffs due to unpaid fines, and another three were impounded.
Eleven vehicles were either pink or green stickered due to compliance issues, six people were forbidden to drive, and two had their licenses suspended for excess demerit points.
Police breath tested 420 people passing through checkpoints, and two drivers were found to have excess breath alcohol.
Meanwhile, 69 infringement notices were issued on Friday night.
It comes after a massive boy racer event in Levin earlier this month, which saw officers outnumbered, pelted with objects, and left injured.
Canterbury, BoP police say operations were success
Police across the country worked to crack down on boy racers this weekend.
In Canterbury, 171 infringement notices were issued last night and 33 vehicles were pink or green stickered and ordered off the road due to safety issues.
Seven people were arrested for disorderly behaviour, four people were summonsed for excess breath alcohol, and one person had their license suspended. Six vehicles were impounded by police, and four were seized by bailiffs for failing to pay fines.
Meanwhile, in Rotorua, police set up checkpoints set up at entry points to Rotorua, which “frustrated those intending to take part in the illegal activity.”
Inspector Phil Gillbanks said groups were intercepted before they could get established, meaning they were unable to participate in activities such as skids or racing.
“Rotorua is full of tourists and locals enjoying Matariki weekend, and the last thing we want is this kind of activity making people feel unsafe and not want to return to our corner of the world,” he said in a media release.
Three people were arrested, seven were summonsed for driving with excess breath of alcohol, and one license was suspended, with 163 infringement notices issued in the region.
Four vehicles were impounded, and 14 green stickers ordered vehicles off the road, with two drivers receiving multiple tickets for failing to comply with directions.
Twelve vehicles were either pink or green stickered due to compliance issues, and one person was arrested for disorderly behaviour.
