Police from Dandenong Intentional High Risk Driving Unit and the Springvale Divisional Response Unit have arrested and charged a 20-year-old Berwick man with more than 160 traffic related offences as part of Operation Achilles – the state-wide response to illegal hoon activity.
On Friday 3 December, police executed two search warrants in Berwick and Hallam seizing:
• A silver Holden Commodore sedan
• A red and white Honda dirt bike
• Stolen number plates
• A mobile phone
• Clothing
The Berwick man has been charged more than 160 offences including evading police, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, fraudulent use of number plates, speeding, driving while suspended and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
The man has been remanded to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates Court on 22 December 2021.
It is alleged that while responding to reports of an illegal hoon gathering on Tuesday 11 May earlier this year, police observed a silver Holden Commodore performing burnouts at the intersection of Business Park Drive and Commercial Drive, Lynbrook. A large group of spectators were observed in close proximity to the car, encouraging reckless driver behaviour.
Police attempted to intercept the driver of the Commodore and it is alleged police were blocked by spectators who surrounded the police vehicle, allowing the driver to evade police.
On Thursday 8 July members of the Public Order Response Team attended an illegal hoon gathering in Business Park Drive, Lynbrook. While dispersing the gathering, it is alleged a red and white Honda dirt bike approached police and caused significant damage to the vehicle.
Police were blocked from intercepting the alleged offender after spectators surrounded the police vehicle allowing the driver to evade police.
If you witness any anti-social behaviour or reckless driving, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or lodge a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributed to Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett:
“It is hard to comprehend why people participate and incite such reckless behaviour and the community and police are rightly sick of it.”
“Since July, as part of Operation Achilles, police have made 71 arrests, executing 35 search warrants across the greater Melbourne metropolitan area, seizing and impounding 103 vehicles.”
“We have zero tolerance for any form of high-risk driving. Whether you are a participant, spectator or organiser, police will continue to use all available intelligence to identify you, arrest you and charge you.”
“Police’s number one priority is the safety of our community and if you choose to engage in behaviour which puts other road users at risk of serious injury, we will put you before the courts and we will ask for jail time.”
