Harper Sercombe
Police have charged two alleged hoon drivers and seized their vehicles as a part of Operation Achilles.
A further 18 people are also expected to be charged as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt hoon driving.
Warrants were executed late last week following an alleged hoon meet up in the vicinity of Zakwell Court and Motto Drive in Coolaroo on April 28 where several cars were gathered to perform burnouts while spectators watched on.
Upon police arrival at the alleged meet up, the group is said to have shone laser lights into police vehicles before dispersing the scene.
The investigation culminated late last week with police arresting a 19-year-old Craigieburn man and a 23-year-old Truganina man.
The 19-year-old was charged with eight offences including reckless conduct endangering life and driving in a dangerous manner.
The Truganina man was charged with four offences including, the improper use of a motor vehicle and driving a prohibited vehicle on a probationary licence.
Both men have been granted bail and are expected to face the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court in November.
Police have also issued notices to a further 18 car owners relating to the duty of an owner of a motor vehicle to provide information about the driver. Once this occurs it is expected that the 18 people identified to be driving those vehicles on April 28 will be charged on summons.
In the first two years of Operation Achilles police have charged 363 hoon drivers with 2931 offences. 375 vehicles connected to hooning were also seized, while almost 791 unroadworthy notices were issued.
Hoon driving events declined by more than 75 per cent in the two years, police said.
However, Acting Senior Sergeant Sean Foley said more still needs to be done.
“The margin for error at a hoon event is extremely small, and the risk is even greater when spectators are lining the streets to watch from metres away while cars perform burnouts,” he said.
“We are absolutely committed to stamping out these events, the minute you cross the line and engage in hoon activity, you won’t be able to hide from police.”
