Source: New Zealand Police
A joyride through central Wellington on a stolen dirt bike ended abruptly on Monday after the rider crossed paths with an alert on-duty police officer.
The officer was arriving at Police Maritime base on Wellington waterfront when he heard reports of dirt bikers riding erratically on Taranaki Street and heading into the waterfront area. He estimated the riders’ likely route and positioned himself to intercept them if possible.
A short while later, two dirt bikers came toward his position. The officer moved onto the road and signalled the riders to stop. On attempting to U-turn, one of the riders fell from the bike sending it uncontrolled toward bystanders before it instead hit a concrete bollard. The rider absconded on foot after a helpful member of the public tried to assist by attempting to knock him over. The officer ran after him, catching up to and detaining him on Customhouse Quay with the assistance of the Wellington beat team.
Inspector Paul Hamlyn says it was fortunate that no one was injured by the bikers’ behaviour.
“Were it not for the quick actions of the officer, this could have turned out worse. Thankfully, we’re now able to return the $22,000 motorcycle to its owner.”
A 31-year-old is due to appear at Wellington District Court on 24 August on charges of unlawfully getting on a motorcycle, driving in a dangerous manner, and failing to stop when required. Further inquiries into the matter are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/dirt-biker-apprehended-on-wellington-waterfront/