Wānaka Police have had another busy week, dealing with an illegal street racing incident, a road rage situation that almost turned violent, and a car break-in.

Police responded swiftly on Friday night (July 25) to the street racing incident on Camphill Road in Hāwea Flat, Wānaka Police Acting Response Manager Dylan Hannah-Jones said.

“As they say, play silly games, win silly prizes…” Dylan said. 

“...one driver won his car a trip to the impound for 28 days and a court summons for sustained loss of traction.”

The matter is still under investigation and police would like to hear from anyone that has information in relation to other vehicles conducting burnouts in the area, he said.

In another situation “two drivers had a difference of opinion about the road rules in downtown Wānaka which culminated in a road rage incident”, Dylan said. 

“One driver produced a small bat and prompted police to get involved. 

“We know that sometimes people get it wrong on the road. Exercise good judgement on how to react and never grab a weapon.”

Dylan said road rage driving to and up local ski field access roads was also “becoming apparent as we progress through the season”. 

“If you aren’t a confident driver and you have traffic building behind you, you must pull over and let it pass. However, if you find yourself behind a slower driver you must not let your emotions do the driving.”

Police are investigating reports of a vehicle that was broken into in Northlake, Dylan said. 

“A rock was thrown through its window and the owner's bag stolen. The bag contained several important and valuable items. 

“Police successfully recovered some of the items for the victim and during the recovery also located some other items of interest that remain with police. Please remove your valuables from your cars and remember to lock them when you park.”

Scams continue to be reported to police where “people are getting swindled out of their hard-earned money just to secure that awesome deal on Facebook Marketplace”, Dylan said.

“Please don’t send deposits or pay for things in full before you have seen the item or verified the seller is a real person.”

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Call 105 for traffic related complaints.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Supplied