Keep an eye out for hoons

By Lachlan Ellis

Local police have asked for the public’s assistance in stopping dangerous drivers, with a marked increase in hoon activity in the area.

Members at the Ballan Police Station are calling on anyone who can identify hoon vehicles with a vehicle registration number and/or vehicle model, to contact the station on 5368 1303, or Crimestoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

Leading Senior Constable Nick Wallace said police had noticed increased signs of dangerous behaviour on local roads of late.

“We’ve seen tyre marks in town itself, such as on the corner of Inglis and Jopling Street,” he said.

“We’d encourage anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that can identify hoon drivers to contact the Ballan Police Station.

“And if you can hear or see any hoon activity, please call Triple Zero at the time,” he told the Moorabool News.

Victoria has the strictest anti-hoon laws of any Australian state, with police able to impound, immobilise, or permanently confiscate vehicles driven in a dangerous manner.

In addition to the seizure or forfeiture of a vehicle driven by someone found guilty of three hoon-related offences inside three years, the courts can impose a fine of up to 240 penalty units (in excess of $28,000) and/or a period of imprisonment of up to two years.