Seven people were charged, 10 cars seized or impounded, and almost 150 infringement notices were issued following a successful operation run by Central District Police on Saturday night.

Operation Swarm brought officers into Whanganui from across the district.

Staff travelled from Taranaki, Ruapehu, Manawatu, Horowhenua and the Tararua district and worked alongside bailiffs from the Ministry of Justice and vehicle inspectors from VTNZ to target and disrupt a planned boy racer event.

Horizons Regional Council also provided support for the operation.

“We won’t tolerate the anti-social behaviour on our roads and we will continue to target people who are intent on offending," says Inspector Neil Forlong, Whanganui Area Prevention Manager.

"Road policing is everyone's responsibility - that's why we brought staff in from different areas and from different work groups to conduct this operation, and why we're working with our partners to keep Whanganui's roads safe."

Results

- Six cars were seized by bailiffs for overdue fines and reparation, after they were stopped by police on driving matters. A further four cars were impounded under the Land Transport Act

- Five people were charged with excess breath alcohol

- One person was charged with failing to stop for Police

- One person was charged with breach of bail

- Seven people were either forbidden to drive or suspended from driving due to behaviour on the night or excess demerits

- 15 unsafe vehicles were written off the road

- One stolen car was recovered

- Almost 150 infringement notices were handed out

- And in excess of 500 people were breath tested.

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