Officers from Cardinia and Casey Highway Patrol have charged seven people and seized three vehicles this week in relation to alleged ongoing hoon activity in Melbourne's south east this year.
Highway Patrol members responded to reports of a large crowd gathering and cars involved in high risk driving at about 11pm on 11 May 2021.
On arrival it is alleged police observed a Holden Commodore performing burnouts at the intersection of Business Park Drive and Commercial Drive, Lynbrook.
Police attempted to intercept the driver of the Commodore but were allegedly blocked by a large group of spectators.
Several people allegedly kicked and jumped on the police car in attempt to block its path.
Police eventually intercepted the car and arrested the occupants.
The 19-year-old driver was charged with several hooning offences including - reckless conduct endangering life/serious injury, dangerous driving while pursued, drive in a manner dangerous and drive vehicle cause loss of traction.
The man was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates Court on 17 December.
After extensive investigations into the incident, three search warrants were executed in Noble Park, Hampton Park and Longwarry on Thursday 16 September resulting in the arrest of three men.
A 24-year-old man from Noble Park and a 24-year-old man from Longwarry were charged with intentionally obstructing an emergency service worker and assisting an offender.
A 20-year-old man from Hampton Park was charged with intimidation of law enforcement officer, intentionally obstructing an emergency service worker, assisting an offender and causing criminal damage.
The trio were bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates Court on 13 December 2021.
The next day, officers executed further search warrants in Mernda, Berwick and Pakenham in relation to ongoing hoon activity in Pakenham between April and August.
Three men aged 50, 21 and 19 years, were arrested and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, drive in a manner dangerous and drive vehicle cause loss of traction.
Three cars were also seized which will be subject to forfeiture applications.
The men have been bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates Court on 4 March 2022.
A 16-year-old boy was also charged with reckless conduct endangering life, drive in a manner dangerous and drive vehicle cause loss of traction.
He has been bailed to appear before a children's court at a later date.
Quotes attributed to Acting Inspector Dean Grande:
"We have zero tolerance for any form of high risk driving - whether you are a participant, spectator or organiser, police will continue to use all available intelligence to identify you, arrest you and charge you"
"Today's results are a testament to Victoria Police's ongoing commitment hold those participating in and inciting illegal hoon activity to account."
"Police's number one priority is the safety of our community and if you choose to engage in behaviour which puts other road users at risk of serious injury, we will put you before the courts and we will ask for jail time."
