Underage drivers accused of using stolen cars in derby

File photo / NZ Herald

Underage teenage boys have been caught using stolen vehicles in an apparent demolition derby in the rural southern outskirts of Hamilton this morning.

Police were called to O'Regan and Collins Roads after reports of cars doing burnouts about 6am morning, Senior Sergeant Pete Van De Wetering said.

"Arriving, they came across a Mitsubishi car with three boys aboard trying to return to Hamilton. The driver originally pulled over but as the constable got out of his car to speak to them he tried to accelerate away but the engine had been that thrashed he didn't get very far."

Mr Van De Wetering said a Hyundai Accent 5-door hatchback, stolen overnight from Glenview, was found in a ditch while a Honda Ascot stolen from Mt Maunganui was found in a nearby paddock.

"The cars all had various amounts of damage. It appears the boys had been using them in an amateur demolition derby which is of particular concern for us in that this was being done on a public road.

"Already this week police and motoring experts have highlighted the risks of underage drivers, they simply don't have the motor or cognitive skills to react to situations that occur on the road. Inexperienced drivers have already accounted for nine deaths on the Waikato this year."

Mr Van De Wetering said the arrest of the three youths, aged 14 and 15, who are all being referred to Youth Aid, had only been possible because members of the public made the effort to notify police of their suspicious behaviour.

"And that's the key message to get out there, if you see something amiss ring 111 so Police can investigate what's going on, in this case it led to three arrests and the recovery of three cars."

- NZHERALD STAFF