Police have condemned the actions of several people at the Waikumete Cemetery funeral, saying they had "no respect" for other people. File photo. Photo: J E McGowan / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr
Two men have been arrested - and two cars and a motorbike seized - after a funeral attendee started doing burnouts at Waikumete Cemetery yesterday afternoon.
Police have condemned the actions of several people at the funeral, saying they had "no respect" for other people at the West Auckland cemetery.
Waitematā West Area Commander Inspector Simon Walker said several driving complaints were made just after 2pm, with a person at a funeral at Waikumete doing burnouts in front of the crematorium.
"The first police unit on scene was surrounded by some attendees, including some choosing to jump on the vehicle," said Walker.
Nobody was injured in the incident, but Walker said it was "quite disappointing that this small group of people have chosen to behave like this".
"They frankly have no respect for others or the cemetery, which is a place reserved for remembrance.
"Doing burnouts is not a sign of respect and we will continue to hold offenders to account."
More police units, including the Eagle helicopter, were called to the scene
Walker said a 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged with failing to stop, while a 22-year-old man handed himself into the Henderson Police Station late yesterday.
His vehicle has been impounded, and he has been charged with sustained loss of traction.
Police said they were still seeking a third driver.
"There is no place for this senseless behaviour in our community, and we will be looking to lay charges against all those involved."
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