Operation Purple cracks down on antisocial road user behaviour in Manawatū
Central District Police have made arrests, impounded vehicles and issued numerous infringement notices overnight in an operation targeting antisocial road user behaviour.
Operation Purple saw Police out in force across the Manawatū area, working to disrupt gatherings and target illegal activity. The enforcement action was supported by the Police Eagle helicopter, which is based in the lower North Island this weekend to assist with several operations.
Seven people were either arrested or summonsed for matters including breach of bail, warrant to arrest and driving issues.
Eight people were processed for excess breath alcohol.
Five vehicles were impounded, and more than 100 infringement notices were issued. A further 14 vehicles were either pink or green stickered for compliance issues.
In the air, Police Eagle assisted with a fleeing driver incident where a vehicle was travelling dangerous speeds through Palmerston North City.
About 11.30pm, a Police patrol observed a vehicle travelling at more than double the posted speed limit along Tremaine Avenue.
Eagle was able to track the vehicle and guide ground staff to a Highbury address, where the two occupants abandoned the car and fled on foot.
Eagle then directed staff to where the men were hiding behind an outbuilding, and they were arrested without incident.
The vehicle was impounded and the driver, a 20-year-old man, is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court today on charges including dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving with excess breath alcohol.
Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham says district staff worked hard through the night to curb any illegal behaviour and keep our communities safe.
“We’ve been very clear – we have no tolerance for this behaviour and the havoc it wreaks in our communities.
“We’ve seen enough recent examples, including the tragic case where a young man had to have his leg amputated after being struck by a vehicle at a meet, to know the very real dangers involved.
“Many of these vehicles are unsafe to travel in, let alone be driven recklessly or at speed.
“Compounding this is the presence of alcohol and people choosing to get behind the wheel after drinking.
“Unfortunately, our staff see the other side of this equation all too often. We’re the ones having to visit families and deliver awful news about their loved ones being involved in serious incidents resulting in injury or death.
“That’s what motivates us. We don’t want to be the people having to deliver that news. It’s absolutely tragic, and absolutely avoidable.
“Police are sending a message to anyone considering coming out again over the weekend – we are ready and waiting, and you can expect us to take action.”
We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses this type of activity to report it to Police.
Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through our 105 service.
If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Operation Kereru stops antisocial road users in their tracks
Wellington District Police have caused significant disruption to antisocial road user gatherings overnight across the region, with vehicle seizures, impoundments and infringements being issued.
Operation Kereru saw Police staff taking a coordinated and targeted approach across the district, including in the Hutt Valley and Wellington City.
Groups were intercepted before they could get established at 10 different locations, meaning they were unable to participate in activity such as skids or racing.
Sixty-nine infringement notices were issued. Two vehicles were impounded due to driver licencing matters, while four vehicles were seized by bailiffs due to unpaid fines.
Twelve vehicles were either pink or green stickered due to compliance issues, and one person was arrested for disorderly behaviour.
Acting Wellington District Commander Nick Thom says this operation sends a clear message to those wanting to participate in disruptive and illegal activity.
“Recent behaviour from antisocial road users has been particularly concerning, and we aren’t going to tolerate it. Our communities shouldn’t have to tolerate it.
“We will continue to target this behaviour until the message gets through.”
“We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses this type of activity to report it to Police.“
Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through our 105 service.
If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
More car meets curbed as Operation Cartel continues
Operation Cartel has continued to crack down on antisocial road users in Canterbury overnight, with more impoundments, infringements and arrests.
The operation has been targeting illegal and dangerous behaviour surrounding gatherings of vehicle enthusiasts throughout the district.
Last night saw Police make three arrests, impound 15 vehicles, and issue 260 infringements notices.
A further 36 vehicles were either pink or green stickered due to compliance issues.
Two drivers were processed for excess breath alcohol, and one was found to be driving while disqualified.
Ten drivers were given licence suspensions.
Acting Canterbury District Commander Lane Todd says a number of “skid meets” were able to be disrupted and closed down.
“It seems like some groups haven’t got the message yet – we’re ready and waiting for you, and we’re going to be taking action.
“We’ve said it before: these events are dangerous and can put lives at risk.
“We will be taking necessary action against those who are causing harm on our roads and in our communities.”
We continue to ask the public to share any information with us that might assist us in targeting this unlawful and disruptive behaviour.
Call 111 immediately if it is happening now, or share information after the fact through our 105 service.
Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Plenty of notice was given. So, here’s the answer… Direct judges to give the maximum penalty possible, no exceptions, includie short prison sentences for first-time offenders, longer for recidivist offenders. Send a very clear message this isn’t going to be tolerated any longer. This includes under 16’s. Fines don’t work. Prison sentences will.
Please sign
https://petitions.parliament.nz/be79f174-3143-4455-bed5-08dc890a778f?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=stop-digital-id-act&utm_term=25-06-29