Police seize car after Lake Hāwea burnouts

Police have impounded a car after responding to a report of dangerous driving and burnouts in Lake Hāwea on Saturday night.

Senior sergeant Fiona Roberts, the area response manager in Wānaka, says police were told of at least two vehicles seen "doing burnouts and driving dangerously" in the Nichol Street area.

"A vehicle was impounded, and the driver was driving whilst suspended."

However police enquiries continue to ascertain the details of all the drivers involved.

The senior sergeant says police have concerns about anti-social driving behaviour and the danger it poses in the district, and acknowledges this raises concerns for many in the community too.

"Police can, and do, impound vehicles, issue infringements, and make arrests when we are able to do so at the time.

"We continue to urge anyone with concerns around this behaviour to report it to police immediately on 111 if it’s happening now, and on 105 after the fact. If you can gather photos or video safely, please do so, as this helps police follow up.

"We would also ask that families have conversations with their young people and loved ones about the risks involved with this antisocial behaviour; the potential consequences are not worth those risks."

The plea comes as their police colleagues further north, in Levin, arrested two people and impounded six cars after a gathering of approximately 200 cars on Saturday night turned violent.

Main image (Pixabay, left, file photo, right)