Key Takeaways
- Birch Avenue in Judea has become an informal racetrack where “hoons” perform burnouts, doughnuts and dangerous skids, especially on weekend nights.
- The behaviour has caused significant property damage: bent signs, smashed security cameras, destroyed water‑main covers, graffiti, litter and mud‑spattered roads.
- Business owners report the incidents are growing more frequent and involve higher‑speed vehicles, raising serious safety concerns for pedestrians and children who sometimes gather to watch or record the stunts for social media.
- Police have responded by impounding unregistered vehicles and laying charges such as sustained loss of traction and dangerous driving, but delayed response times limit effectiveness.
- Local councillors and business leaders advocate installing a monitored surveillance system with automatic number‑plate recognition (ANPR) to enable faster identification and deterrence.
- Infrastructure work to supply power for the cameras is underway, though a Powerco backlog may delay completion for several months.
- Community reporting via 111, 105 or Crime Stoppers remains vital for police to prioritise resources and follow up on offenders.
Overview of the Problem on Birch Avenue
Bryce Cole, a longtime manager at Gourmet Foods, described Birch Avenue in Judea as a constant burnout pad and informal racetrack, particularly on weekend nights. He noted a steady stream of “hoons” speeding down the avenue, performing burnouts that damage both private and council property. The issue, which has fluctuated over his 22‑year tenure, appears to be worsening, with vehicles travelling faster and causing more severe harm.
Types of Damage and Vandalism Observed
The burnout activity has left a trail of destruction: a company sign was bent so badly that a forklift was required to straighten it; a security camera was smashed and stolen; water‑main covers have been ground down to nothing as drivers place them under tyres to skid. In addition, McDonald’s trays and other debris are scattered across the road, and graffiti mars the surroundings. Luke Nuttall of Roar Pet Food added that mud sprayed from the roundabout and doughnut marks around a central tree have churned the area into a messy, unsightly state.
Influence of Social Media and Youth Involvement
Cole observed that children and teenagers often run around the cars while burnouts occur in the dark, some recording footage that he believes is destined for social‑media platforms. This trend, coupled with the rise of drifting culture imported from overseas, seems to be encouraging more reckless behaviour. The loss of control evident in the security‑camera videos raises the prospect of serious injury or fatality if the pattern continues.
Frequency and Business Owners’ Concerns
Mark Welten, general manager of Impact Engineering, said the problem had been intermittent over the last six months but has escalated to an almost daily occurrence. While his business is not directly impacted, the road’s appearance—black skid marks, flying rubbish, and graffiti—makes it look neglected and unwelcoming. Business owners collectively feel they should not have to tolerate ongoing property damage and vandalism that undermines their operations and the neighbourhood’s safety.
Police Response and Current Limitations
Inspector Zane Smith of the Western Bay of Plenty Police confirmed that Tauranga police are aware of the anti‑social behaviour and have taken action, including arresting offenders and impounding vehicles. Offenders may face charges such as sustained loss of traction and dangerous driving. However, Smith acknowledged that police resources are stretched, and by the time a patrol arrives, the vehicles have often already departed, limiting immediate intervention.
Calls for Enhanced Surveillance
During a council city‑delivery committee meeting, Bryce Cole proposed installing a monitored camera equipped with automatic number‑plate recognition (ANPR) as the most effective solution. Such a system would enable faster identification of offending vehicles, provide evidence for prosecution, and broadcast a clear message that Birch Avenue is not a venue for illegal street racing. Bethlehem ward councillor Kevin Schuler echoed this view, noting that existing business‑owned cameras lack the capability to read number plates and are vulnerable to tampering, as demonstrated when a crowbar was used to smash a private camera.
Infrastructure Hurdles and Timeline
Reneke van Soest, council operations and infrastructure general manager, explained that the council can only refer incidents to police; it cannot enforce traffic laws directly. For cameras to function, power connections are required, and work is currently in progress. However, Powerco’s significant backlog means the necessary electricity supply may not be available for several months, delaying the deployment of the proposed surveillance system.
Role of the Community and Reporting Channels
Both police and council officials stressed the importance of public cooperation. Residents are urged to report any suspicious or unlawful road behaviour promptly via 111 for emergencies, 105 for non‑urgent matters, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers (0800 555 111 or online). Detailed, safe reporting helps police understand patterns, allocate resources efficiently, and follow up with vehicle owners and drivers to take appropriate legal action.
Journalist Credits and Publication Details
This report was produced by Ayla Yeoman, a Local Democracy Reporting journalist based in Tauranga. Yeoman holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications, politics and international relations from the University of Auckland and has been working as a journalist since 2022. The piece is part of the Local Democracy Reporting initiative, co‑funded by RNZ and NZ On Air, aiming to deliver accurate, community‑focused coverage of local government issues.