Hoon drivers will be put on notice as a new operation starts today in Caroline Springs targeting the dangerous activity.
Operation Ricketier will see local police team up with the Brimbank Highway Patrol, Air Wing, Dog Squad, Mounted Branch and the Brimbank Offender Management Team to detect and deter dangerous driving as well as high harm offending.
Over the past few months, police have seen a pattern emerge with a small number of people engaging in hoon driving, in an opportunistic manner around the Caroline Springs area.
It’s believed this activity is linked to other offending in the area, from unsociable behaviour to high harm offending such as robberies and burglaries.
Through Operation Ricketier, the aim is to put these offenders on notice and deter this behaviour from taking place, while also enforcing the Chief Health Officer directions.
In addition to the highly visible police presence, police will also be using Automatic Numberplate Recognition Technology (ANPR) to gather intelligence and detect those people who shouldn’t be on the roads.
Caroline Springs Acting Senior Sergeant Nick Di Mieri said whether it was organised or not, police had no tolerance for those who engage in risky behaviour such as hoon driving.
“While we are not seeing a great amount of organised hoon meet ups, we are seeing a small number of people conducting dangerous driving behaviour in a spur of the moment decision.
“Not only does this put the person driving and their passengers in danger, this activity puts the entire community at greater risk of harm.
“There is no place for this type of activity on our roads and we are absolutely committed to stamping out this behaviour and holding these offenders to account.
“There will be a highly visible police presence, with the addition of our specialist units out in the area over the coming days to engage with the community and prevent dangerous activity from occurring.
“Anyone found to be engaging in this type of activity and putting the community at risk can expect to face serious charges, as well as being fined for breaching Chief Health Officer directions.
Acting Senior Sergeant Di Mieri also highlighted the community’s role in reporting any anti-social, criminal or dangerous activity to police.
“The more intelligence we receive from the community, the better opportunities police have to gather an accurate picture of what is happening and respond quickly and accordingly.”
If you ever feel unsafe, or witness criminal or anti-social behaviour, please call Triple Zero (000) for an immediate police response.
If you have information on crime, you can always report this to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
To report non-urgent crimes, the community is encouraged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or via www.police.vic.gov.au/palolr
Operation Ricketier commences today, running through until tomorrow (13 October) evening, and again next week (19-20 October).
