Covid 19 coronavirus: Boy racers show off skids on social media

One video shows a car in a deserted Auckland supermarket car park. Photo / Supplied

Kiwi hoons have taken to social media to share videos of themselves performing burnouts and skids on empty streets, trying to hide their details as they brag about their antics.

Over 70,000 people have joined a Facebook group set up to promote the activity, prominently featuring videos from New Zealand and Australia.

In one recent video, a car is seen drifting through the car park of the Countdown supermarket in Massey, Auckland.

The video shows the car travelling at speed through the empty car park, repeatedly losing traction as onlookers film the display.

One video shows a car in a deserted Auckland supermarket car park. Photo / Supplied

"I don't know how you guys get away with this!? I go out and I get caught!" writes one user under the video.

Other videos show Kiwi drivers performing burnouts on public roads, spewing smoke as cameras roll.

A warning was issued from one boy racer to the group: "Just a tip, cover your numberplates boys".

Another congratulated drivers who had performed the activity for 'likes' online.

"Shout out to all the lads who've skidded in the driveway of their rental property and now probs face eviction," he wrote.

"Bloody legends".

One video shows a patched gang member holding a large knife as he watches a car perform a burnout on a public road.

Patched gang members can be seen in some of the videos. Photo / Supplied

Some users were keeping their activities off public roads, with one Kiwi driver asking group members: "Is a shed skid worth a divorce? I've been told no as our concrete is mint, but my argument is a rug will hide it all."

The group even has its own merchandise. Photo / Supplied

The group even boasts its own merchandise, with fashion-conscious hoons able to buy stickers that read: "Sending it for the boys" or T-shirts and hoodies featuring the group's logo.

A police spokesperson told the Herald that they were not immediately aware of the s incident in Massey however they will be making follow up enquiries.

"Operating a vehicle in this manner is not only reckless, but it's also dangerous and illegal and puts those involved at risk," they said.

"Under the Land Transport Act, it is a criminal offence to operate a motor vehicle on a road in a manner which causes the vehicle to undergo sustained loss of traction.

"The penalty is up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine up to $4,500 as well as being disqualified from driving for at least 6 months."

The spokesperson added they were not aware of an increase or trend in this type of behaviour since the Alert Level 4 restrictions came in.

"Police have been conducting regular patrols and are always on the lookout for suspicious activity or reckless driving behaviour.

"Motorists should only be using their vehicles for necessary travel such as essential workers or to get essential supplies.

"We do ask anyone who witnesses this illegal activity to notify police immediately so we can respond."

NeedToKnow3

• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website