Two men have been arrested and multiple vehicles seized after up to seven vehicles performed burnouts during a funeral at Auckland’s Waikumete Cemetery on Monday afternoon.
Police were called to the cemetery around 2pm following multiple reports of dangerous driving.
Waitematā West area commander Inspector Simon Walker said one attendee began doing burnouts directly in front of the crematorium.
“The first police unit on scene was surrounded by some attendees, including individuals who jumped on the patrol vehicle,” Walker said. No officers or bystanders were injured.
Auckland Council said at one stage, up to seven vehicles were doing burnouts in front of a large crowd.
Additional units, including the Eagle helicopter, were deployed to assist. Police impounded two cars and a motorbike, and are continuing to investigate.
A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged with failing to stop. He will appear in the Waitākere District Court at a later date. A 22-year-old man handed himself in to Henderson Police Station later that day. His vehicle was impounded and he was charged with sustained loss of traction.
Police were working to identify a third driver involved.
Walker said the behaviour was “quite disappointing” and showed a lack of respect.
“They frankly have no respect for others or the cemetery, which is a place reserved for remembrance,” he said. “Doing burnouts is not a sign of respect and we will continue to hold offenders to account.”
“There is no place for this senseless behaviour in our community, and we will be looking to lay charges against all those involved.”
Auckland Council cemetery services manager Nikki Nelson said it was “extremely disappointing” when people did not respect cemeteries and other visitors to them.
“People of all ages and backgrounds gather at Waikumete Cemetery for important reasons and it is of paramount importance to us that the safety of every visitor is prioritised.
“We are hugely relieved that no one got seriously injured as a result of the dangerous driving that took place.”
A woman who witnessed the burnouts told 1News the behaviour was “disgusting”.
“You think it looks cool, you have no respect for anyone. No brains between the lot of you.”
She added that the group involved had used oil to fuel the burnouts.
