More than 130 people have been arrested or charged in a year-long operation targeted at dirt bike and street racing offending in Auckland.
In a year-long operation, 59 dirt bikes and 39 vehicles were impounded. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Counties Manukau police launched Operation Whakatika at the beginning of 2021 and followed up on reports of dirt bike activity and illegal street racing.
As a result of the operation, 88 people have been arrested or charged in relation to dirt bike activity, with 44 arrests or charges laid in connection to illegal street racing for offences such as dangerous driving and sustained loss of traction.
A total of 748 infringement notices were issued for dirt bike activity and illegal street racing and 59 dirt bikes and 39 vehicles have been impounded.
Almost 2500 vehicles were stopped and inspected over the year as part of the operation.
In a year-long operation, 59 dirt bikes and 39 vehicles were impounded. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Counties Manukau district prevention manager Jared Pirret acknowledged the frustrations of the community over "dangerous and often brazen antics" by dirt bike riders and street racers.
"Often when police are notified at the time to these types of reports, we are not in a position to immediately intervene as it creates significant safety risks for those involved as well as other innocent road users.
"While we may not be able to take immediate action at the time for safety reasons, we want to reassure the community that we do take this offending seriously and we have a team working hard to identify and locate offenders and impound their bikes or vehicles."
Pirret said the results of this year-long investigation was a warning to any future offenders of this nature.
"We will keep investigating those involved, impounding your vehicles and bikes and issuing fines or prosecuting you."
As a result of enquiries into dirt bike riders, Police also recovered
Twenty-five stolen vehicles were recovered by police after inquiries into dirt bike riders. Three riders had their licences suspended and 53 were forbidden from riding.
In relation to illegal street racing activity, 23 vehicles were deemed unsafe and ordered off the road, while 79 vehicles were deemed non-compliant.