23 Aug 2011

Thousands of cars confiscated in crackdown

7:33 am on 23 August 2011

Thousands of cars have been confiscated as part of a crackdown on illegal street racing.

Two laws were introduced in December 2009 to tackle street racing and related offences.

Since then 3665 crimes have been recorded. Police say that represents a 15% drop in offending.

In 99% of the cases, vehicles were impounded on the spot.

Some 1370 people have been arrested since the new laws came in, about 1200 of them for the offence of sustained loss of traction.

Superintendent Paula Rose says people are getting the message that illegal street racing is dangerous and unacceptable.