Auckland Police issued dozens of infringements and took several vehicles off the road during an antisocial road user event on Saturday night, in a coordinated operation that included the use of the Police Eagle helicopter.
The operation targeted a gathering of around 200 vehicles, with a visible police presence at known meeting points and checkpoints established across the city. Over 2500 drivers were breath tested, resulting in more than 15 being found over the legal alcohol limit.
Police handed out 70 infringements, ordered 71 vehicles in for inspection, issued 33 green stickers and six pink stickers, and impounded five vehicles.
Despite the scale of the gathering, Police say there was no major disruption to the public.
“Dozens of Police units worked hard to disrupt the approximately 200 vehicles participating in the event,” said Inspector Regan James. “We saw some illegal behaviour, including burnouts and other driving offences, but our staff did well to monitor and disrupt the group’s plans.”
James noted that swift intervention prevented the situation from escalating. “We were able to break up convoys and monitor behaviour effectively. We are now entering an investigation phase and will be identifying additional vehicles and drivers, with strong enforcement action to follow.”
Police are urging the public to report any antisocial road behaviour. Incidents in progress should be reported by calling 111, or after the fact through the 105 service. Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
What a waste, in many ways.
Will there be dozens of police now entering an investigation phase into far bigger orchestrated ‘offenses’ like collusion, corruption, revolving doors, hidden accounts, nepotism and oligarchy?