Police bust boy-racers

Police in Tauranga launched a major boy-racer crackdown overnight, issuing 80 youths with trespass notices, 16 traffic tickets and impounding one vehicle at a popular racer haunt.

Acting on a request from property owners who have battled vandalism and damage to their properties from weekend gatherings, police issued written warnings to 80 youths in 25 vehicles. The warnings ban them from Maru St properties for two years.

The traffic tickets were written out for various offences. Maru St is one of five well-known hot-spots across Tauranga which will be targeted by police in coming weeks.

The crackdown is set to continue in other popular hang-out spots around the city and follows vigilante threats at Mirrielees Rd earlier this month.

Senior Sergeant Ian Harris said Western Bay police would take a joint approach with Tauranga City Council and business owners to disrupt criminal activity.

"This approach by police will be continued for other areas and any breaches will enable decisive action to be taken," he said.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES