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Police say the appalling behaviour of dirt bikers in south Auckland on Sunday risked the lives of children and motorists, and police are urging the public to help before someone is killed.
A 25-year-old Ōtara man faces serious charges of reckless driving, and aggravated failing to stop, and police are appealing to the public for help to locate others involved.
Tāmaki Makaurau duty operations manager, Inspector Kerry Watson, says a number of 111 calls began coming in about 3.45pm – complaints of riders pulling wheelies, covering the road and driving into oncoming traffic and over footpaths in Ōtara.
“This continued to Bastion Point near Tamaki Drive, as the number of bikers number grew to 40.
“Those involved were seen driving at motorway speeds across playing fields.
“We’re asking for assistance from the public so we can locate these riders as soon as possible before they kill someone, or themselves.
“There are no other words – it was horrifying behaviour, and to see riders speeding across sport fields where young kids are playing, you feel ill, because if something goes wrong, someone is going to be maimed or dead.”
Watson says members of the public have told police previously they fear injury to their kids playing on fields when the dirt bikers appear.
Dozens of police staff, and the Eagle helicopter, were diverted to try to split the group up, while police also worked with local petrol stations in case the group attempted to refuel.
It wasn’t until 5.45pm that the riders disappeared.
“We are combing through CCTV footage, frame by frame to identify those who were involved in this display of stupidity and when we find out who they are, we’re going to have words,” Watson says.
“To anyone who has dashcam or CCTV imagery that may assist us with that, please tell us so we can act before someone gets hurt or killed.”
Watson says the 25-year-old’s bike had been impounded, and anyone involved will also lose their bikes once caught.
“Losing your bike isn’t the worst outcome when you consider that eventually someone is going to die riding like this, or they’re going to kill an innocent person.”
Anyone with information is asked to make a report at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105, and use the reference number P065318019.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.
