Cameras set to nab boy racers

BAD BEHAVIOUR: Security cameras capture a boy racer doing a doughnut in Whareama. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Rural Wairarapa residents fed up with boy racers and thieves are taking matters into their own hands by installing security cameras at key vantage points in their areas.

Last month, residents installed cameras in the Whareama/Riversdale/Tinui/Homewood area, and say they have already captured several boy racers on camera.

Riversdale resident Alan Emerson said residents had decided to take action after ongoing problems with boy racers. "You don't see police out here, so it's a matter of stepping up to the plate on your own."

Some residents had tried to reason with boy racers by going out and speaking to them, an approach which had not proven successful, he said.

"It's easy enough for people to get in and out so we thought we'd film everyone."

The cameras sent a message to anyone with bad intentions to stay out of the area, he said.

"It's great to see you out here if you are a decent person with honest intentions - if you are not, then stay away."

Two boy racers had been caught doing burnouts in Whareama since the cameras had been installed and the information had been forwarded to police, Mr Emerson said.

Director of Kahu Security Mark Halewood, who installed the Whareama cameras, said more residents in rural areas were investing in security cameras, with other groups in Admiral Hill and Western Lake Rd expressing interest.

Boy racers needed to know community groups were getting proactive by getting high-quality footage with number plates which would be provided to police, he said.

Masterton Traffic Sergeant Chris Megaw said police welcomed any extra information the public could provide.

"There's more and more footage on dash cameras so there is more and more footage becoming available all the time."

If people could afford security cameras, then they were a good idea, Mr Megaw said.

"Anything that can protect someone's property is a good idea."

Police had received information relating to boy racers in Whareama and enquiries were continuing.