‘Invasion’ event less lawless

CHRISTCHURCH: At least 10 people have been arrested and 30 cars taken off the road in Christchurch during a third controversial car event on Sunday night known as the Aves Invasion, but a city councillor says the racers are starting to get the message to behave.

Two previous Aves Invasion events were criticised after participants threw bottles at police, generated scores of noise complaints, raced in the street and were issued with 177 tickets.

Last week, police said extra officers would be keeping an eye on the Easter weekend event. Officers had also worked with the organisers in an attempt to keep behaviour legal and safe.

On Friday police were pleased with the results. No arrests had been made or tickets issued that evening, although there were complaints about noise.

Canterbury Metro Superintendent Lane Todd said officers were ‘‘happy’’, and especially pleased with the ‘‘respectful behaviour shown around the area of Al Noor mosque’’, one of the mosques targeted in the March terrorist attacks.

However, on Saturday night, 10 people were arrested, 30 cars were taken off the road for being unsafe, three of the drivers were caught drinkdriving, and a number of tickets were issued.

Police did not comment on the disorder when approached by RNZ.

Christchurch city councillor Deon Swiggs, who lives near one of the gathering spots, said he heard a lot less noise and cars this weekend.

He said more proactive work by different agencies and the organisers was the right approach.

‘‘It’s 5% that ruin it for everyone else, and I hope those 5% are seeing the full arm of the law.

‘‘People know that for this event the police are watching them, and if they do stupid stuff they’re going to get pinged, so I hope the communication stays close with police.’’