Numbers of fleeing drivers on the increase

CARNAGE: A van was left badly damaged after youths crashed a stolen car in Whanganui.

More drivers are electing to step on the gas to outrun police, risking serious injury or death, police say.

Numbers of fleeing drivers have risen 27 per cent in the past five years, national road policing manager, Superintendent Steve Greally said.

"Police do not want to see anyone die or be injured needlessly on our roads and this unsafe driving increases the risk of crashes as well as the possibility of injury or death," Greally said.

On Sunday seven youths aged between 11-16 crashed a stolen vehicle along Whanganui's Carlton Ave while fleeing police.

It was the latest in a string of fleeing drivers around the country.

"The number of drivers choosing to flee from police is of real concern. Drivers who fail to stop for police and flee to avoid apprehension pose risks to public and staff safety," Greally said.

Most who flee are young males.

"Police have no intention of handing the roads over to those who think they are above the law. Fleeing from police will bring little chance of escaping punishment and a much higher chance of further charges."

Greally said that in the past year 17 per cent of fleeing drivers have crashed.

"Drivers need to take more responsibility and make better decisions. Fleeing police is never a good idea.

"Fleeing driver incidents are always extremely testing for police. They are fast-moving, unpredictable and high-pressure situations that require quick judgments and the public expect us to get it right. We take that responsibility very seriously and are always looking for ways to manage these challenging situations better.

"When people die on our roads their families and friends are affected forever, and it is generally police officers who have to let the victim's loved ones know. These are extremely sad moments that our officers never forget."

Greally said police were unable to comment further on what will happen to those who fled police in Whanganui on Sunday other than they had been referred to police youth aid.

Several comments on the Chronicle's Facebook page suggested that was a soft option.

"Stupid kids. And all they will get is a slap on the wrist and sent on their way," one poster commented.

A police spokesperson said generally many youths who commit offences are dealt with by the police through referral to Youth Aid as an alternative to formal court proceedings.

"This alternative action responds to the offending but keeps the young person out of the formal youth justice system."

Measures can include a home visit from a police youth aid officer, written or face to face apologies, reparation and projects.

This may also involve the young person being engaged in pro-social activities.

Agreements around education may be developed, and curfews can be agreed with parents.

"The action taken by police will depend on the seriousness of the offence. It will also depend on whether the child or young person has previously committed any offences and, if so, the number and type of offences."