Police on trail of rogue bikers

By Paul Dunlop
ROGUE bikers riding roughshod through public parkland have been warned that authorities are hard on their trail.
A popular walking trail around the Toomuc Creek has recently become a hotspot for people riding motorbikes.
Residents who enjoy walking or cycling with dogs or young children say they were concerned about safety with up to three motorbikes at a time whizzing around the picturesque circuit.
Police have warned that riding bikes alongside the creek, part of the Rotary Centennial Park, is illegal.
Police met recently with Cardinia Shire officers, Delfin Lakeside officials and residents to discuss the problem, which extends to people riding trailbikes around the streets of the nearby Lakeside estate.
Cardinia Traffic Management Unit Acting Sergeant Col Davies said hoon behaviour would not be tolerated. Act Sgt Davies said patrols of the area had been stepped up and a number of people spoken to over the motorbike activity.
One resident has submitted video footage to police.
Lakeside community development forum secretary Jack Mitchell said residents in the estate, and on the other side of the creek, were keen to stop the area being used as an unofficial trailbike track.
“It can be very dangerous, the circuit is windy and if a young mum is pushing a pram and a biker comes suddenly around a corner it could be a disaster,” he said.
Council has supported moves to stop motorbikes being ridden around the creek. Signs were put up a year ago warning that it was prohibited.
Mr Mitchell said the recent moves to clampdown on the illegal activity had already helped improve the situation. He encouraged residents to report any incidents.
“Anyone who witnesses or experiences any dangerous activities of illegal motorcycle riding are encouraged to immediately report the incident to police,” he said.
Detective Sergeant Phil Jury said police had launched a new taskforce to target “problem areas”.
Det Sgt Jury said extra plainclothed police and unmarked vehicles had been assigned to the new unit that would hit problem areas and target criminal activity around town.
“The taskforce will look at anything that needs attention,” he said. “So be warned.”