Police arrest one, impound bikes after Rebels gang funeral ride in Ōtāhuhu causes traffic chaos

Police clamped down on a Rebels gang bike convoy through Ōtāhuhu, South Auckland yesterday.

Police arrested one person and impounded two motorcycles after a Rebels gang funeral ride through South Auckland yesterday.SATURDAY

About 40 motorbikes, some of which were seen allegedly holding up motorists and ignoring traffic signals, formed the biker convoy in Ōtāhuhu.

Inspector Kerry Watson said police were alerted to the convoy shortly before 5pm and tracked it as it travelled south through Mt Wellington.

“At least one bike did a burnout on Penrose Rd, and the manner of riding was bad enough that we were concerned about the risk it posed to other motorists and to the gang members themselves.”

Police called in back-up and, when the bikers were at the Manukau Memorial Gardens later, directed every rider to a police checkpoint where each was breath-tested.

“Our message hasn’t changed – if you don’t want to follow the road rules, you’ll get our attention,” police said in a statement.

Two riders were summonsed for driving-related offences and four infringements were issued. Inquiries are ongoing and further enforcement action was likely, Watson said.

Police asked anyone who sees illegal or dangerous behaviour on the roads to call 111 if it’s happening now or make a report via 105 if it’s after the fact.