New Zealand Corrections has criticised the actions of a member of the public who was seen clinging to the rear of a prisoner escort van while it was travelling through central Auckland.
Footage of the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has been widely shared on social media. Corrections confirmed the event and stressed that the individual involved was not a prisoner.
Men’s prisons deputy commissioner Liz Hawthorn expressed concern over the risks posed by the stunt.
"Corrections is concerned anytime a member of the public puts themselves in danger, particularly when holding onto a moving vehicle. The outcome could have been worse had they fallen off or been involved in an accident," 1News has quoted.
According to Hawthorn, prisoner escort services in Auckland are operated by an external contractor. Following the circulation of the video, the contractor reviewed the incident with its staff.
"They have spoken with their drivers who were unaware of this incident at the time, but were informed by a member of the public after it had happened yesterday," as quoted by 1News.
Corrections said the incident had not yet been reported to police, although the contractor intended to notify authorities.
In response, Hawthorn said additional reminders would be issued to staff regarding vigilance while operating vehicles in busy urban environments.
"I have asked the contractor to remind their staff about remaining vigilant, particularly when driving through urban areas," 1News has quoted.
The incident has sparked concern over public safety, with officials warning that such behaviour could have resulted in serious injury or worse.
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