The Matariki cluster won’t be the only thing in the sky this weekend as the Police Eagle helicopter assists in monitoring and responding to anti-social vehicle gatherings across the mid and lower North Island.

"Motorists will notice an increased Police presence on the roads as we work to send a strong enforcement message to drivers engaging in anti-social and criminal behaviour," says a police spokesperson.

You’re not welcome, Police are saying to anti-social road users.

One of the vehicles impounded by Police following a "skid meet". Photo: NZ Police.

Canterbury Police have impounded cars, issued infringement notices and ordered vehicles off the road, ahead of a weekend of planned gatherings by anti-social road users.

Police across the North Island and parts of the South are on high alert, and have redeployed additional staff and resources to support several operations taking place over the long weekend throughout New Zealand..

One of the first was Operation Cartel, where between 10pm on Thursday and 2am Friday, Police interrupted six "skid meets" in Christchurch and two in Rolleston. 

About 100 cars were involved in the illegal activity.

The state of a road following a gathering by anti-social road users. Photo: NZ Police.

Inspector Craig Scott says three vehicles were impounded for sustained loss of traction, and 18 infringement notices were issued to other drivers.

Two vehicles were given green stickers for compliance issues, while another was deemed unsafe and given a pink sticker, preventing it from being driven.

"We have seen too many instances where this illegal behaviour has put lives at risk, caused injury, and created unrest in our communities.

"The results of Thursday night’s operation in Canterbury show that we’re pushing back on this unwanted activity. 

"Anti-social road users aren’t welcome on our roads. We don’t want them or the damage or the damage they cause. We’re not standing for it."

A vehicle leaving on a tow truck after being stopped by Police. Photo: NZ Police.

"Canterbury Police will have a much larger presence on the roads," says Inspector Scott.

"We’re sending a message to everyone who takes part in these events: Expect us to be waiting for you."

Police Eagle helicopter deployed

Additional Police staff and resources – including the Police Eagle helicopter - have been deployed to support operations in several locations.

“Eagle is an incredibly valuable tool that allows us to respond quickly and relays real-time information to our staff on the ground," says Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables.

“Our Eagle team’s ability to capture visual evidence will also be an important part of our investigation phase."

The Police helicopter will be assisting with responding to anti-social vehicle gatherings. Photo: NZ Police.

Assistant Commissioner Venables says police districts are organised and well planned to continue putting pressure on these groups over the weekend, as well as the following days and weeks.

“We ask the public to be patient with us as we work across the weekend – Eagle is highly effective and one of our best tools available to target this type of behaviour.

“If you hear the helicopter overhead, please don’t be alarmed – we hope you will be reassured that we are taking action against illegal activity in your community,” says Assistant Commissioner Venables. 

To those considering engaging in this activity - burnouts, racing, and driving at excess speed puts not only you, the driver, and your passengers at risk, but everyone in the immediate area, and causes great distress to those who live in the communities where this occurs.

"To those who witness suspicious, unlawful, or dangerous activity on our roads please contact Police as soon as possible with as much information as possible. 

"If safe to do, record the activity as it occurs or take photos of vehicles involved.

"We remind people not to take matters into their own hands, as this likely to place you in harm’s way – instead, please contact Police."

If enforcement action is unable to be taken at the time, Police will use information gathered to follow up during their investigation phase.

Information from members of the public, including 111 calls reporting illegal activity, plays a key part in helping Police track where these car enthusiasts are operating, and allows Police to set up checkpoints that bottleneck vehicles when they try to leave, Inspector Scott says.

"We’re asking the community for as much information as possible about these anti-social gatherings."

This includes details of cars, such as licence plate numbers, or what streets they’re meeting on.

"Never put yourself at risk to get that information, and please do not attempt to take matters into your own hands."

Police say please call 111 immediately if it is happening now, or share information after the fact through our 105 service.

Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.