Cade Lucas
Police have described the behaviour of a gang of dirt bike riders during an incident in Williams Landing last month as “really confronting” and “really dangerous”.
About 15 dirt bike riders are alleged to have been involved in the incident on the afternoon of July 29.
It’s alleged that after one of the group was arrested for dangerous riding, the other riders returned and circled the police vehicle and sprayed rocks and dirt on police officers.
Westgate Police Division Inspector, Jennifer Horgan said it wasn’t just police who were disturbed by their conduct.
“Also other road users in the area and people moving about on the footpaths. It really could’ve been quite a tragic outcome,” Inspector Horgan said.
Police impounded two motorbikes along with making one arrest, but the rest of the dirt bike riders were able to flee the scene.
Footage of the incident taken from the police vehicle is now being released in an effort to track down the remaining riders.
Inspector Horgan said the footage showed a range of illegal conduct.
“They’re riding dirt bikes on the road which is illegal if they’re not registered and they don’t have licenses.
“They look pretty young as well, so people under 18 can’t be doing that.”
Off-road hooning has become a serious problem in the area, so much so that Wyndham council recently donated two Husqvarna VE 501 bikes to police in an effort to quell illegal riding.
“The bikes funded by the Wyndham City Council greatly improve our ability to disrupt illegal dirt bike use and compliment our ongoing patrols and operations targeting this activity,” said Inspector Horgan, who warned dirt bike hoons that they would be tracked down.
“For those thinking they can ride around our streets in groups while conducting ridiculous behaviour on these bikes – be assured that we will find you, seize your bike and lay charges where appropriate.
If we don’t get you on the day, know that it is only a matter of time before we come knocking on your door to arrest you and impound your bike.”
Anyone with information on the July 29 incident or other illegal off-road riding, should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
If illegal or dangerous dirt bike riding is happening at the time, contact triple-0 immediately.
