Please attribute to Superintendent Lane Todd – Canterbury Metro Commander
Activities by boy racers in the Christchurch area continued to flare up overnight. In the past some groups have engaged with Police in relation to meet-ups, to let police know where they will be, and we have had a good relationship. This relationship appears to have deteriorated of late.
Some of the racing enthusiasts who were involved last night, showed some very anti-social behaviour, which wasted extensive Police hours, hours which could be spent elsewhere on solving crime.
Police are very disappointed with their actions and the fact that they are showing total disregard to the safety and peace of our communities.
When Police are responding with time-wasting car enthusiasts, genuine calls for service get less attention and can be potentially missed if Police are tied up with unnecessary and thoughtless boy-racer behaviour.
Last night some calls for service turned out to be hoax and Police are currently working to establish what has occurred and will be looking to prosecute anyone who makes a false complaint to Police.
We would like to remind these drivers that if they break the law, they may face fines or even their car being impounded.
Your car can be impounded if you:
- Are a disqualified driver or your licence has been suspended or revoked
- Commit a drink-drive offence and have had two previous drink drive convictions in the previous four years
- Are caught drag racing, performing street car stunts (e.g. burnouts) or you’ve broken a bylaw that prohibits “cruising”
- Have failed to stop when requested by police
- Have an alcohol interlock licence and the vehicle doesn't have an alcohol interlock device fitted.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
MEDIA TO NOTE: Superintendent Lane Todd will be available for comment outside the Central Police Station at 11am this morning - 40 Lichfield Street, Christchurch.