Auckland crime: Tribesmen gang members arrested, prized motorbikes impounded

Five people – including three patched gang members – have been arrested and their motorcycles impounded after a joyride across South Auckland.

Police spotted a group of Tribesmen gang members speeding on Auckland’s State Highway 1 near Pōkeno about 6pm Thursday.

Counties Manukau road policing manager Inspector Tony Wakelin said the group was “driving dangerously at high speeds and intimidating other road users with their reckless behaviour”.

The police Eagle helicopter was also called and the bikies left the motorway on East Tāmaki Rd, he said.

Some of the prized motorbikes seized by police last night. Photo / Police NZ

Officers on the ground were set to intercept the group then and signalled for the riders to stop.

“Disappointingly, the group disregarded this and they fled from police towards Ōtara – travelling at well over twice the legal speed limit and through a red light,” Wakelin said.

Members of the group were eventually found at a property on Berrett Pl.

Three patched members aged 24, 28 and 32, were arrested and will appear in the Manukau District Court for failing to stop and dangerous driving.

Six motorbikes were impounded after last night's joyride. Photo / Supplied

Two young people — whose ages have not been given — were also arrested for bail breaches and obstructing police.

Police are still searching for other bikes and riders involved, Wakelin said.

He acknowledged the work of police officers involved and stopping what could have potentially become a volatile situation.

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