Three people have been charged as police crackdown on an alleged group of hoon motorcyclists performing stunts for social media.
The alleged group of riders have been the subject of a thorough investigation by Greensborough Highway Patrol, after reports of the group riding dangerously on Melbourne's busiest freeways and roads over the last few months.
It's alleged the group rode in sync together, carrying out dangerous stunts while having a person film the acts from a nearby moving vehicle. The filmed footage is then allegedly used as content on social media.
The investigation focused on a particular alleged meet up on 21 February.
It's alleged the group were performing dangerous stunts on CityLink, between Port Melbourne and Pascoe Vale, during the hours of 10.30pm and 11.30pm.
Prior to entering CityLink, it's alleged riders removed or concealed their registration plates on their motorbikes to avoid being identified.
The group allegedly rode at double the speed limit, up to 160km/h, wove through traffic, performed 'wheelies' and used products on their feet that throw sparks into the air when coming into contact with the ground.
It's alleged the group were conducting these stunts while being filmed by a content creator, who would either hang out of the window to film or use a drone.
Multiple short videos were allegedly posted to social media accounts afterwards.
With trauma on Victorian roads involving motorcycles increasing, the risky behaviour is particularly concerning to police.
39 motorcycle fatalities have been recorded this year and 516 serious injuries have occurred as a result of motorcycle collisions.
Males aged 18-25 made up the largest portion of those with serious injuries, accounting for about a quarter.
Police executed a series of search warrants in early June in multiple suburbs, including Brookfield, Caroline Springs, Carrum Downs, Hillside, Keysborough, Narre Warren, Noble Park and Tarneit.
As a result, police seized:
- Two motorbikes including a Honda and a Yamaha R7
- Multiple mobile phones
- GoPros
- Computers
- Storage devices
- Protective equipment
- Branded clothing
Police also located two imitation firearms and a small quantity of drugs during the warrants.
Police laid charges last week against a 24-year-old Caroline Springs man, a 22-year-old Hillside man and a 23-year-old Tarneit man who is also a learner rider.
All three were charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, obtain financial advantage by deception, public nuisance, reckless riding, improper use of motor vehicle and fail to display registration plates.
All three have been bailed to appear at court at a later date.
The investigation is ongoing and police are expecting to lay further charges on other people allegedly involved.
Anyone with information about dangerous driving can report the information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you witness dangerous driving and require immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).
Quotes attributable to Greensborough Highway Patrol, Leading Senior Constable Adam Mizzi
"Anyone thinking of performing dangerous stunts, let alone on some of our busiest freeways amongst others driving at high speeds, should take this as a warning that it won't be tolerated.
"This behaviour not only puts the riders in danger, it's a risk to everyone else on the road, particularly when we are experiencing an increase in road trauma involving motorcycles.
"These arrests should send a clear message that if you are choosing to partake in risky behaviour on our roads, we will hold you to account. It might not be on the night, but you can ensure we will eventually catch up with you."
