Police begin hoon patrol

CARDINIA Traffic Management Unit will be involved in a special operation to increase the police presence in high profile illegal drag racing locations.
Officer in Charge of Cardinia TMU Sergeant Peter Garton said Cardinia TMU officers would patrol in areas of Casey and Greater Dandenong on a roster system with the TMUs for these districts over the next few weeks.
Sgt Garton said the aim of the operation was to have a visible presence in areas where young drivers gathered for drag racing.
The operation follows an illegal drag race meeting at the intersection of Princes Highway and Elonera Road in Noble Park which turned sour when police tried to disperse a crowd of more than 1000 onlookers two Saturdays ago.
Sgt Garton said the additional night shift patrol would be a good followup to the strong police presence in the area last weekend.
“The illegal drag racing is well organised with text messages being sent to those involved to advise of locations,” he said.
Sgt Garton said the locations chosen changed and many of the participants at the illegal drag racing were travelling from the western suburbs of Melbourne.
The additional patrols will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
The operation to cut down on hoon behaviour is being carried out in conjunction with the regional traffic unit.
Sgt Garton said police would continue to check vehicles frequenting the areas for roadworthiness and other traffic infringements.