Relentless boy racers rip and tear

The ‘‘ghosts’’ of boy-racer burnouts are familiar to Paul Stephens.

Torn-up lawns, rubbermarked streets and debris strewn through gutters are the norm

when he gets to Makomako Rd in the industrial area of Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North.

The gouged-out earth on some properties means Stephens, the owner of lawn-mowing business Crewcut, cannot get his work done.

The most recent bout of damage, inflicted a fortnight ago, is just the latest in a long string of

incidents getting on his and others’ nerves.

Kelvin Grove is a regular haunt for boy racers, its wide roads and cul de sacs inhabited by industrial businessesmaking it an attractive prospect for burnouts.

Stuff first spoke to Stephens about the issue in 2018 after he became sick of trying to mow

grounds cut up by motorists’ illegal actions.

The behaviour was escalating and he pleaded for police to crack down.

But things have not got any better.

Photos taken by Stuff on Sunday show empty lots shredded by vehicles and spaghetti-like squiggles of rubber on the road. The latest damage happened this month, Stephens said.

‘‘To have this sort of crap happening p..... me off.’’

He was shocked police had not charged anyone for the latest offences, despite CCTV footage being supplied.

He was also annoyed nothing had been done to stop boy-racer activity in the area.

‘‘It’s just a joke ...We should be prosecuting them to make examples and then maybe we can stop them.’’

Stuff asked police what was being done about the burnouts, as well as policing of boy racers generally in Manawatu¯.

In a statement attributed to acting prevention manager Inspector Ross Grantham, police said they regularly patrolled areas of concern and monitored illegal street racing.

‘‘Unfortunately we can’t be everywhere.’’

Video footage could help and it was great images were provided for some of the latest offences, police said.

‘‘Having such footage can go a long way in helping us to locate these offenders and hold them accountable.’’

However, it may not be enough for charges to be laid.

People should also note down registration plate numbers, makes and models of cars, and descriptions of drivers.

People should report boy-racer activity as soon as possible so police could respond ‘‘where operational commitment permit’’, police said.

DAVID UNWIN/STUFF WARWICK SMITH/STUFF Paul Stephens from Crewcut, pictured in 2018, is tired of boy racers cutting up Makomako Rd, Palmerston North. Damage to grass on properties along Makomako Rd, in an industrial part of Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North, makes it difficult for contractors to keep lots clean.

WARWICK SMITH/ STUFF Boy racers are still taking to Makomako Rd, cutting up grass and tearing up the road.