By KATH GANNAWAY
POLICE from around the Yarra Valley swooped on an illegal burn-out fest in Hoddles Creek last week, impounding two vehicles and issuing defect notices and fines.
Police received numerous reports of as many as 100 cars gathered at Ship Rock Falls in Gembrook-Launching Place Road at around 9pm on Friday, 17 October, with several drivers doing burn-outs.
Senior Constable Rob Firns of Warburton Police said 10 police units responded to calls made to triple-zero by members of the public attempting to use the road.
“They reported multiple vehicles doing burn-outs with other vehicles blocking the road, attempting to create a drag strip or burn-out pad on the road,” he said.
“Generally with these events, there are a minority of people engaging in the burnouts and a significant number there as onlookers.”
Sen Const Firns said it attracted people from all over eastern Melbourne, with many from the south east including areas such as Pakenham, Cranbourne and Narre Warren.
He said police, from past experience of similar events, responded with a targeted approach that involved a large number of police.
In this instance units from the Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol, Yarra Glen, Healesville, Warburton, Yarra Junction, Lilydale and Mooroolbark, and the Police Canine Unit were brought in.
Police observed one vehicle doing burnouts and vehicles were checked for roadworthiness.
“We identified two vehicles, one of which was impounded for hoon driving, second vehicle a repeat suspended driver who had his vehicle seized and impounded as well.
Sen Const Firns said no-one was identified as being intoxicated but said he believed the prompt police response prevented any escalation in behaviour.
“There are places people can go to engage in that sort of driving behaviour in a controlled environment,” he said.
“A public road is not one of those places.”
Anyone who witnesses anti-social or dangerous driving should immediately phone triple-zero to assist a prompt police response.
