Police have seized a vehicle and are searching for other drivers after reports of reckless driving inside a Porirua cemetery earlier this week.
Wellington District Police say they received multiple calls from the public about 7.30pm on Monday 9 March reporting a blue Ford Falcon speeding through the grounds of Whenua Tapu Cemetery.
Inspector Renee Perkins, area commander for Kāpiti-Mana, said the driver allegedly drove dangerously around the cemetery for about 15 minutes alongside other vehicles.
“It’s lucky no one was hurt due to this dangerous behaviour,” Perkins said.
She said information provided by members of the public helped police quickly identify one of the vehicles involved.
“Thanks to information provided by the public, and through our initial enquiries, we were able to seize one of the vehicles and we continue our search for the other vehicles and their drivers,” Perkins said.
“This real time information is crucial in helping us know where to be and assists in our investigations, allowing us to take action like seizing vehicles and holding those responsible to account.”
Perkins said the behaviour was not only dangerous but also disrespectful.
“Not only is this a dangerous activity within a cemetery, but it is also incredibly disrespectful for a place where people go to grieve and remember their loved ones who have passed.”
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker also condemned the incident. “This type of dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated,” Baker said. “It costs money to fix damage left by unruly drivers. We are grateful to members of the public who contacted police at the time the incident was taking place.”
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward.
Information can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz using the reference number P065700148.