Police on the Mornington Peninsula have another tool in their arsenal to stop hoons on motorbikes, illegal monkey and trail bikes and overpowered e-bikes, using drones to help identify offending and track down those putting themselves and others in harm's way.
Operation Track was established by the newly formed High Visibility Community Engagement Team (HiCET) to target the dangerous and illegal use of non-compliant e-bikes, trail bikes and other offroad motorcycles.
It comes following concerns raised to police by residents, particularly in the Hastings, Rosebud and Mornington areas.
Across just four shifts as part of Operation Track, police have responded to multiple reports of riders travelling at excessive speed, riding recklessly through public spaces, and putting pedestrians and other road users at risk.
In its first two months, Operation Track has impounded four unregistered motorcycles, recovered a stolen car and a stolen motorbike, and made nine arrests, including:
- On 4 July, a man was spotted riding a motorbike with no registration plates. Further checks revealed the motorbike had been stolen from Pakenham in 2022. Members on the ground were guided by drone operators, leading to the arrest of a 55-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant for an alleged assault during a road rage incident on 19 May. He was charged with riding a stolen motorcycle, disqualified riding and criminal damage. He was bailed to appear in Frankston Magistrates' Court on 2 September. The motorcycle was seized, and checks are being done to return it to its rightful owner.
- During the above arrest, a 24-year-old man who was wanted on eight outstanding warrants for alleged family-violence related offences was also arrested. He was remanded and appeared in Frankston Magistrates' Court on 14 July, where he plead guilty to all charges and was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month Community Corrections Order.
- A 22-year-old Hastings man who was arrested after the lawn at Hastings Police Station was damaged. Investigators believe motorcycles were ridden across the lawn on 6 July about 9.30pm and 8 July about 5.40pm. Police executed a search warrant in Hastings and located a firearm. The man is expected to be charged on summons, while further arrests are expected.
- Two men aged 20 and 21 who were allegedly seen riding unregistered dirt bikes dangerously and conducting monos, before posting and boasting on social media. Search warrants were executed in Rosebud and Dromana, where two dirt bikes were seized, along with electronic devices and clothing relevant to the investigation. The pair is expected to be charged with reckless conduct endangering life and multiple traffic offences.
- On 24 July, drone operators tracked an allegedly stolen Toyota Celica through Westpark in Hastings. The vehicle come to a stop and the driver allegedly ran into a house. The 22-year-old from Crib Point was arrested and charged with 16 alleged offences including theft of a motor vehicle, unlicenced driving, handling stolen goods and possess drug of dependence. He was bailed to appear in Frankston Magistrates' Court on 9 October.
Police also intercepted several vehicles being driven dangerously and spoke with multiple riders on e-bikes and e-scooters to educate them about their safety obligations.
PINs were issued for unlicensed driving, use unregistered vehicle, use a mobile phone, not wearing a helmet, and excessive speed.
Trail bikes and dirt bikes being ridden on public land and in state forests need to be registered, have lights and break lights fixed, and riders must have a licence.
E-bikes need to adhere to Australian safety regulations, including having functional pedal and motor assistance that cuts off after reaching 25km/h.
More information can be found here: www.police.vic.gov.au/e-bike-safety
Quotes attributable to Mornington Peninsula Local Area Commander Inspector Ivan Petrunic:
"Despite the warnings, we continue to see riders putting not only themselves at risk, but also pedestrians and other road users.
"Many of the riders have little to no protective equipment and are travelling at excessive speeds; a recipe for serious injury or death if they lose control.
"While police are out to enforce the rules to keep riders safe, we are also balancing this approach with education.
"We have also spoken to parents to make them aware of the dangers before purchasing an electric bike or trail bike for their children.
"Bikes that are not compliant with Australian standards, are unregistered or overpowered should not be ridden, especially by children.
"More e-bikes, trail bikes, monkey bikes and dirt bikes will be impounded if riders refuse to do the right thing."
