The Dandenong Achilles Taskforce have again put the brakes on those participating in hoon activity, with three men now facing a raft of hoon related charges.
Police will allege a 35-year-old Forest Hill man, a 46-year-old Bowenvale man, and a 23-year-old Clyde North man engaged in hoon activity on Bennet Street, Dandenong, on Sunday 15 May at around 11am.
The group allegedly caused their vehicles to deliberately lose traction near a large group of spectators, narrowly avoiding onlookers and crossing onto the wrong side of the road.
Three separate search warrants were executed as part of the investigation in Forest Hill, Bowenvale, and Clyde North between 27 July and 25 November.
During the search warrants, police seized:
- A white Holden HSV Maloo utility
- A white Holden sedan
- A purple Holden sedan
- Approximately 645 pills that police will allege is MDMA with an estimated street value of $19,300
- Approximately 24 grams of what is alleged to be ketamine with an estimated street value of $4,300
- A small amount of what is alleged to be cocaine
- Knuckle dusters
- Ammunition
A 35-year-old Forest Hill man and a 46-year-old Bowenvale man have been charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, drive in manner dangerous, improper use of motor vehicle, public nuisance, and make unnecessary noise and smoke.
The Forest Hill man arrested on 27 July has been bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 2 December.
The Bowenvale man arrested on 3 November has been bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 2 April 2023
A 23-year-old Clyde North man arrested on 25 November has been charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, traffick and possess ketamine and MDMA, possess cocaine, possess a prohibited weapon, possess ammunition, drive in manner dangerous, improper use of motor vehicle, public nuisance, and make unnecessary noise and smoke.
He has been bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 4 May 2023.
The arrests come as Victoria Police firmly puts hoon drivers on notice ahead warmer weather, a time when police traditionally see an increase in hoon activity.
As part of Operation Achilles, police have a relentless focus on holding those responsible for participating in, inciting, or spectating organised hoon events to account.
Since the beginning of January across metropolitan Melbourne, Operation Achilles has resulted in:
- 65 arrests
- 54 offenders charged
- 720 charges laid
- 98 vehicles impounded
The Dandenong Achilles Taskforce covers the areas of Casey, Cardinia, and Greater Dandenong.
If you witness, have dashcam, or CCTV footage of any intentional high-risk driving, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or lodge a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link.
In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
Quotes attributed to Dandenong Achilles Taskforce Sergeant, Paul Holtzinger:
"Since the launch of Operation Achilles nearly 18 months ago, our message to hoon drivers has been crystal clear - the minute you cross the line and engage in hoon activity, you won't be able to hide from police.
"We will continue to apply pressure to those who escape detection at the time of an event, and we will not rest until all offenders are in custody.
"As we head into warmer weather and the holiday period, we know that traditionally hoons will come out and try their luck when it comes to flouting the law.
"If you choose to threaten the safety of our community through your selfish and reckless actions on the roads, sooner or later, police will be knocking on your door."
