KEY POINTS:
Police say the 28 arrests over an 18-hour period at the Hamilton V8 car race was much lower than they expected.
Inspector John Kelly of Waikato Police said the 28 arrests covered the period from noon yesterday to 6am this morning was an excellent result.
"Given the extended reporting time these numbers are again below average, and given seven of those arrested were from a party in Hillcrest (about 5km east of the downtown area where the race is being held) we are very happy with how the evening progressed," Mr Kelly said.
"At the event itself there were a number of evictions but again nothing like what we anticipated so from a policing perspective it has been a very positive experience."
Mr Kelly credited a more visible police presence and a positive attitude from the public for the figures.
Among those evicted was a Tauranga man who tried to get in with a "very well forged contractors access pass".
"The ironic thing for that man is that not only was he evicted and may face follow up action, he lost his genuine three day ticket as well," Mr Kelly said.
The presence of the Police Eagle helicopter also helped police arrest a driver under the influence and to find a driver whose car collided with a power pole and then fled on foot.
Mr Kelly said police were also concerned at the likely amount of traffic leaving the city after the race.
"We ask people to be patient, plan their routes and drive to the conditions to ensure everyone makes it back home in one piece."
St John Ambulance said it assisted 132 spectators at the event yesterday, following 82 people on Friday.
Three were taken to Waikato Hospital on Saturday, including one spectator at the evening concert. One spectator had a fracture injury and two had medical concerns.
Among the forms of help St John has given has been assistance to 26 spectators with medical concerns, 18 for noise related concerns, 10 injuries from sharp objects and eight injuries from slips or falls.
- NZPA
