Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Southland police have charged two men with illegal street racing following reports of vehicles travelling at three times the speed limit.
Police were alerted to a vehicle that crashed into a paddock after failing to make a turn at a corner on Grove Burn Road in November.
It was believed to be involved in illegal street racing.
Police said vehicles were believed to have been travelling about three times the 50 kilometres an hour speed limit before the crash.
On Friday, officers conducted searches at addresses near Tuatapere and Winton, speaking to two men and impounding their vehicles.
The two men aged 18 and 19 are due to appear in Invercargill District Court next month, and police said further charges were likely.
They were committed to holding illegal street racers to account.
Not only did street racing keep residents awake and damaged the roads, but it placed drivers, passengers, bystanders, and other motorists at extreme risk, police said.
Officers were keen to hear from members of the public who witnessed it.
People could call 111 if it was happening at the time or use the 105 service for non-emergencies.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
