Five youths have been arrested as police ramp up their investigation into an illegal motorbike riding event that occurred just days before Christmas.
Following extensive enquiries investigators from Victoria Police’s North West Metro Achilles Taskforce last Wednesday executed a series of warrants across Melbourne’s north and southeast.
Those arrested include:
• A 19-year-old Reservoir man;
• A 20-year-old Craigieburn man;
• A 17-year-old Dallas boy;
• A 15-year-old Manor Lakes boy; and
• A 16-year-old Springvale boy
The Reservoir man was charged with 15 offences including criminal damage after allegedly damaging a police vehicle, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving, improper use of a motor vehicle, driving without numberplates, unlicensed driving and possessing a drug of dependence.
He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 April.
The Craigieburn man, and Dallas and Springvale boys were released and are expected to be charged on summons with reckless conduct endangering life, driving unlicensed and driving an unregistered vehicle.
A 19-year-old Broadmeadows man, who was not present when police were executing a warrant at his house, was interviewed by appointment on Friday. He was released pending summons for reckless conduct endangering life, unlicensed driving and driving an unregistered vehicle.
The Manor Lakes boy was released pending further enquiries.
Police will continue to make enquiries into the whereabouts of motorbikes used in the incident.
The arrests follow an illegal motorbike riding incident across multiple freeways on Saturday 23 December.
Approximately 55 riders were first spotted riding erratically on the Western Ring Road near Sydney Road about 3.25pm before heading to the Tullamarine Freeway, CityLink and riding over the Bolte Bridge.
The group then travelled to a St Kilda yacht club on Pier Road where they continued to ride dangerously around Catani Gardens.
Police arrived shortly after, and a rider allegedly kicked the side mirror of the police vehicle before the group dispersed and took off back towards the city.
While traveling on CityLink some riders were allegedly dangerously swerving between cars, performing wheelies and filming each other.
Police working to identify others involved in the incident have today released images of four men they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
The first man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged 18-25 years old, solid build and wore a blue and white Fox brand motocross helmet, black jumper with black motocross armour, blue and black motorcycle gloves, black pants and khaki work boots. He was riding a blue Yamaha dirt bike with blue wheels.
The second man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged 18-25 years old and of slim build with dark hair. He wore a pink, white and black Fox brand motocross helmet, white T-shirt with red and blue writing on the front and rear, black sport shorts and grey shoes and rode a red and white dirt bike.
The third man is perceived to be Middle Eastern in appearance, aged 20-25 years old and of medium build. He wore a black and grey motocross helmet, white T-shirt with red and blue writing on the front and back, white motorcycle gloves, tight-fitting black pants and black Nike runners. He rode a white and blue Yamaha dirt bike.
The fourth man is perceived to be Middle Eastern in appearance, aged 20-25 years old and of large build. He wore a green motorbike helmet, black hooded jumper with green text, black shorts and white runners. He was riding a grey and orange 2014 KTM 390 Duke.
Anyone with information about illegal dirt bike riding or anyone who can identify those in the images is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Anyone who witnesses illegal or dangerous dirt bike riding in the act should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Quotes attributable to Inspector Dean Allen, North West Metro Achilles Taskforce:
“For those thinking they can ride dangerously on our roads in groups, know that even if we don’t catch you in the act, it won’t be long until police are knocking on your door.
“This kind of high risk behaviour is nothing to brag about. It could seriously injure or kill you, your friends or an innocent road user.
“If you’re lucky enough to escape injury you could still be hit with criminal charges which means facing a magistrate and having your precious bike seized. It’s just not worth it.
“We’re imploring parents to sit down with their kids and explain the risks of this kind of behaviour. The last thing we want to do is to have to notify a parent when a tragedy occurs.”
