Heat on hoons

By Lia Bichel
POLICE are preparing to saturate Pakenham roads over Christmas holidays as residents become increasingly worried about local hoons.
One resident, who preferred not to be named, said Ahern Road was frequented by drivers “squealing their tires” and “doing burnouts.”
Princess Highway is also a hoon hot spot, and last week, one unsafe driver was nabbed doing a ‘fish tail’ out of the McDonalds car park. His vehicle was seized for 48 hours and he was charged with careless driving.
Pakenham Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy said regardless of the time of year, police have a no-tolerance stance for unsafe drivers, but they will be targeting hoons during the holidays.
“At Christmas time, there are more people out on the road and more people that can witness poor behaviour, but from time to time, bad driving occurs in various locations around Cardinia Shire. It can be any time of the day and in any location,” he said.
“We have zero tolerance for people committing offences and they will be dealt with immediately. The purpose is to reduce the road toll of death and injuries.”
Sen Sgt McCarthy said he encouraged anyone who witnessed bad driving to ring Triple-0 instantly.
“If they ring Triple-0 with the registration number and description of the area, they will get a quick response,” he said.
“People can call after the event occurs as well and can provide information anonymously.”
Police will be carrying out Operation Aegis over the holidays as part of a state wide initiative targeting poor drivers.
“Uniformed police and Traffic Management Police will be out on all streets throughout Pakenham, and across the state discouraging speeding drink, drug and fatigue impaired driving,” Sen Sgt McCarthy said.
“We will target people who put themselves and others at risk. We don’t want them to ruin other people’s Christmas.”
Operation Aegis began on 18 December and will run until 3 January.
Anyone who witnesses poor driving is encouraged to contact the Pakenham Police Station on 5945 2500 or Crime Stopers on 1800 333 000.