Projectiles were thrown at police cars during a crackdown on anti-social road users in Manawatū overnight, as officers made multiple arrests and seized vehicles in a large-scale operation.

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray said the 200 vehicles involved in the gathering “spent their night dealing with police rather than tearing up local roads and causing distress to communities”.

Before the planned event around the rural outskirts of Palmerston North and Horowhenua, police launched Operation Golf to disrupt dangerous and anti-social driving activity before it could escalate.

“Police staff from Wellington, Whanganui, and Manawatū worked together to target last night’s event,” Gray said.

“It allowed us to successfully interrupt multiple gatherings and remind participants they’re not welcome here.

“We’ve seen the damage and distress these people inflict on our communities and we’re not having it.

“A significant amount of resource was put into this operation, and I also want to thank the many people who made reports to police.

“Those reports helped us to track the group and stop them before they could set up somewhere as one large group.”

At around 11.30pm, vehicles blocked part of State Highway 1 near Rongotea Rd, where two police vehicles were damaged by projectiles launched from the crowd.

No officers were injured.

“I’m proud of how our staff reacted to this violence,” Gray said.

“Despite the threat, officers used their training and managed to break up the gathering.

Two police vehicles were damaged by projectiles thrown from a crowd on State Highway 1 near Rongotea Rd. Photo / Supplied

“Over the course of an hour we cleared the scene and processed drivers through checkpoints, while keeping disruption to highway traffic to a minimum.

“It was a great effort, and bailiffs also seized several vehicles.”

While final enforcement numbers are still being confirmed, initial results include 48 infringements issued, seven vehicles ordered off the road, seven vehicles impounded by police, and two vehicles impounded by court bailiffs, with multiple driver licence suspensions.

Four people were arrested during the operation for offences including breach of bail, failing to stop for police, and resisting police.

Efforts to identify other offenders are ongoing, with officers reviewing photos and video to carry out further enforcement action.

Police launched Operation Golf in order to disrupt dangerous and anti-social driving activity before it could escalate. Photo / Supplied

“While the behaviour of some involved was disappointing, the outcome of this operation is very pleasing,” Gray said.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be speaking to others who were involved, and they can expect to answer for their actions.

“Dozens of police units worked together to disrupt an event involving around 200 vehicles and staff did an excellent job monitoring the group, breaking up convoys, and preventing further road blockages.”

Gray said anti-social road user behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Those involved in this activity can expect ongoing, co-ordinated responses and a continued zero-tolerance approach from police.”