Blitz on bike hoons

By Lachlan Ellis

A police operation beginning this month will target hoon motorbike riders in Bacchus Marsh, who put themselves and the community at risk.

Operation Broad Wing will see more police in visible areas and areas hoon riders are known to frequent, with the goal of both deterring riders from taking part in dangerous behaviour.

The operation will involve assistance from the State Highway Patrol Solo Unit, Moorabool Highway Patrol, and local police resources.

Senior Constable Mauricio Gonzalez from Bacchus Marsh Police said the operation was prompted by an increase in reports of hoon riding in the area, and a concern that “it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured, or even killed”.

“There’s a lot of young people that ride bikes in Bacchus Marsh, and with the warmer months, we’re expecting more to come out for recreational riding. We find that in the warmer months, there’s an increase in people, especially youth, riding bikes and offending as well,” Senior Constable Gonzalez told the Moorabool News.

“We do get a number of calls coming into our watchhouse, and also through our intel as well. There’s been an increase in recidivist youth offending, and riders who are spotted probably on a daily basis, riding through and repeating the same sort of behaviour.”

Electronic VMS signs have also been put up on Grant Street, urging the community to come forward with any information about hoon bike riders.

“We’re going to be in the places where offending is occurring, especially parks and local pathways along rivers et cetera, where a lot of these riders, sometimes in gangs of three to six motorbikes, think it’s okay to hoon past. A lot of locals are very concerned because of the noise, and many are scared to walk on the pathways where these youths go through with no respect for the community,” Senior Constable Gonzalez said.

“If you’re unlicenced or unregistered, do not ride your trail bike, especially on the road. It’s only a matter of time before you’re caught, and when you’re caught, your bike will be impounded, and there’ll be some stiff penalties as well. You may have to go to court, and you may have to pay a hefty fine.”

Police also hope to re-educate hoon riders on the dangers of hoon riding and riding ill-equipped, in order to reduce trauma, particularly from crashes.

The operation is being supported by Moorabool Shire Council and RoadSafe Central Highlands, with backing from Station Commander Senior Sergeant Jennifer Horgan also making Operation Broad Wing possible.

If you witness any hoon riding, you can contact Bacchus Marsh Police Station on 5366 4500.