A bored Auckland teenager on an electric motorcross bike has been referred to Youth Aid after repeatedly "exchanging words" with a police officer before speeding away – including through a mall carpark.
Around 4.30pm on Thursday, Constable Brendan Munster and his police dog Clay, who had just graduated last week, were carrying out routine patrols around St Luke's and Sandringham when the biker caught their attention.
Inspector Kerry Watson alleged the 17-year-old pulled up alongside the pair's patrol car on multiple occasions and "exchanged words with the officer before speeding off and engaging in dangerous driving, including through St Luke’s Mall car park".
After several unsuccessful attempts to get the youth to stop, Munster called for help from the nearby Police Eagle helicopter.
Once Eagle hovered overhead, the teenager headed for home where he was taken into custody without incident.
The teenager was referred to Youth Aid and his bike was impounded for six months.
Watson said the incident highlighted how dangerous these bikes could be.
"They are electric, and silent. At times, the young man was riding very dangerously, posing a risk not only to himself but to other motorists and pedestrians," he said.
"We are working very hard to crack down on antisocial road users, including those riding dirt bikes and electric motocross bikes."
Watson called on families, neighbours and the wider community to keep an eye out for similar bikes and report any instances – and what they were riding and where – to police.
"It means if we can’t catch up with them at the time, we can execute warrants and crack down on this illegal behaviour."
The public can also log information anonymously via Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.
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