Six men were arrested after allegedly taking part in a disruptive group dirt bike ride through east Auckland.
Counties Manukau Police road policing manager, Inspector Kay Lane, says officers responded to numerous calls from the public about a large group of dirt bikes and other vehicles involved in the incident on April 3.
“As a result of police intervention, six people were arrested and 10 bikes were seized or impounded,” she says.
“A number of infringements were issued.
“Further action is likely against those involved and we have a number of ongoing enquiries and CCTV footage to review in relation to the event.”
Police say three of the arrests made were for operating a vehicle in a dangerous manner.
Two arrests were for failing to stop and dangerous driving offences.
One of the people arrested was a disqualified driver.
The Times observed the group of dirt bike riders travel down Harris Road, East Tamaki, at about 12.40pm on April 3 and turn left into Ti Rakau Drive heading toward Pakuranga.
Many of them were not wearing helmets.
One rider was observed pulling a wheelie, which entails riding solely on the back wheel with the front wheel in the air, for about 30 seconds along Ti Rakau Drive.
Another rider placed both feet onto the seat of his bike and stood up before pulling a long wheelie.
The group weaved in and out of traffic and rode through a red light at the intersection of Ti Rakau Drive, Reeves Road, and Pakuranga Highway.
They then turned left into Pakuranga Road and travelled over the Panmure Bridge toward Panmure.
A short time later, at about 1.10pm, the group was seen riding along Tamaki Drive in Mission Bay being followed by three police cars with their red and blue lights engaged.
Lane says the men involved in the group ride “showed a complete disregard for other motorists and placed themselves and others at risk”.
“We would like to thank the public for their co-operation and patience and we want to reassure the community we don’t tolerate offending on our roads.
“We will continue to monitor group bike rides and offending on the roads will be investigated and follow-up action will be taken.”
Pakuranga MP and National Party police spokesman Simeon Brown says he commends the actions of police to disrupt the “illegal action of dirt bikers across Auckland” on April 3.
“These bikers have no respect for the law, and the disruption they cause by terrorising motorists and blocking intersections is significant.
“I’m pleased to see the police holding these reckless individuals to account.”
A video later posted on social media shows multiple police officers rush toward some of the riders at a Z fuel station in Te Irirangi Drive, Otara, on April 3.
Some of the riders can be seen attempting to flee the scene while others are grabbed by police.
