7 Nov 2009

Spikes put a stop to slow-moving police chase

5:56 pm on 7 November 2009

Police laid spikes to stop a slow-moving stolen tow truck.

The police chase - at speeds sometimes well below the speed limit - lasted two hours on roads around a Waikato seaside town.

Police say the tow truck was stolen early on Saturday morning near Raglan.

The two teenage drivers refused to stop when signalled by officers, leading to a chase at speeds of about 50km/h.

Police say using road spikes was the only option as the large size of the vehicle made a road block or jumping onto the truck too dangerous.

The spikes did not stop the chase immediately and it only finished when the truck's tyres wore off and couldn't get traction.

Police say the drivers have been charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle and more charges are likely.