Boy racers who hurled fireworks, bottles and rocks at police overnight in Wairarapa are now facing a range of charges.
In the early hours of this morning, Wairarapa police, with assistance from Central District staff, disrupted a planned activity by antisocial road users.
The operation ended with violence when officers were confronted by a large and aggressive group on Waingawa Rd near Masterton.
The group threw bottles, rocks and fireworks at police before being dispersed.
“The rear window of a police vehicle was smashed by the group,” said a police spokesperson.
Six people were arrested and are facing a range of charges.
Police told the Herald multiple infringement notices were issued, along with driver suspensions, and two cars were impounded.
Video of the incident on social media depicts a group of men kicking in a silver car. A brawl then breaks out before a masked man smashes in the windows of the vehicle, which then speeds off.
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said it’s a “huge disappointment” to see incidents like these happening near the town.
“This whole incident is gut-wrenching, and I trust the perpetrators get their just desserts,” he said.
Caffell said there is no excuse for attacking police personnel who are “simply doing their job”.
“I am completely supportive of the actions taken by police to quell such behavior and would ask those responsible to think of the anger and alarm they are creating for the law-abiding citizens of the Wairarapa,” he said.
The incident was just one in a string of boy racing events this year.
Police cracked down on a huge “antisocial burnout meet” in Levin in June.
The 200-vehicle gathering resulted in more rocks and bottles being thrown, as well as multiple arrests and injured police officers.
“People threw bottles, rocks and bricks at the retreating police... Two officers received minor injuries from items hitting their legs,” said Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham.
“Police absolutely understand the stress and concern illegal and antisocial street racing causes members of the community, and we are committed to disrupting this activity by breaking it up when it occurs and holding offenders to account.”
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said in September they were working on cracking down on boy racers.
Mitchell said he and Transport Minister Simeon Brown were working on new legislation which would make it more difficult for boy racers to continue antisocial behaviour.
“Police will have even more powers to make it even more difficult for boy racers,” Mitchell said.
“Rural communities and provincial towns in particular are sick of boy racers and their lack of consideration, the property damage and the danger and disruption they bring to law-abiding members of the community and lawful road users,” Mitchell said.
Officers were photographed helping to paint protest signs.