Wellington police were out in numbers last night to meet what appeared to be an orchestrated gathering of antisocial vehicle users — intent on taking over Hutt Valley and Porirua intersections.
Inspector Shaun Lingard, Hutt Valley area prevention manager said officers suspended three drivers, issued 61 infringements, ordered 11 vehicles off the road, summoned one driver for excess breath alcohol, and arrested one driver for failing to stop.
"Bailiffs from the Ministry of Justice also assisted, leading to five vehicles being seized and a large number of fines collected," he said.
Lingard said there an increased presence of illegal street racers in Hutt Valley and Porirua on Saturday night with some travelling in from out of district and attempt to take over a number of intersections and roads.
"Wellington police remained agile and persistent over the course of the night ready to respond and disrupt gatherings at every corner, this included blocking off gathering points, conducting checkpoints, and stopping drivers across Hutt Valley and Porirua."
The inspector said one driver tried to evade police intervention after doing all they could to be the centre of attention earlier.
"At around 10.30pm, a vehicle previously seen conducting a burnout at a carpark in Petone, was stopped on Port Rd after the driver failed to stop for police on Hutt Rd," Lingard said. "The vehicle was successfully spiked on the Esplanade."
He said it was evident that the culmination of police efforts and enforcement action resulted in "the group becoming frustrated and the night coming to an end with drivers dispersing from the area" after a checkpoint was set up at Grays Rd and Motukaraka Pt.
Police asked members of the public to report unlawful activity, as soon as possible with as much information as possible.
"This will assist in an effective response to the issue, and in cases where we can’t immediately respond allow us to follow up with drivers and take later enforcement action."
"Police remain committed to holding illegal street racers to account as we know the impact that they can have on the community," Lingard added.
"Not only does it keep residents awake and damage the road, but it places the drivers, passengers, bystanders and other motorists at extreme risk."
Information could be conveyed via 105 if it’s not urgent, or 111 if it was happening now.
Alternatively you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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