By ALESHA CAPONE
ALMOST 300 hoons had their cars impounded by police last year across the municipalities of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham.
Senior Sergeant Jason Van Doren from Westgate Division’s Highway Patrol, which covers the three areas, spoke to Star last week.
Sen Sgt Van Doren said during 2012, Wyndham topped the impoundment list with 159 vehicles confiscated, compared to 114 within the previous year.
“In Hobsons Bay last year, there were 91 impounds compared to 94 in the previous year,” Sen Sgt Van Doren said.
Within Maribyrnong, there were 49 impoundments compared to 55 during 2011.
Out of the 299 hoon drivers who had their cars impounded in Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham, 17 were female and more than 280 were male.
Sen Sgt Van Doren said more than 120 motorists were arrested for driving with a disqualified or suspended licence.
More than 75 were caught travelling at more than 45km above the speed limit and more than 40 motorists were apprehended for careless driving or ‘improper use’ of a vehicle – which includes offences such as burnouts.
Sen Sgt Van Doren said 150 fully-licenced drivers made up the bulk of hoons in the Westgate Division, along with 90 probationary drivers and 27 learners.
Sen Sgt Van Doren said anyone who knew about hoon activity should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or if they see witness hooning call emergency services on Triple-zero.
“Our message is that you think you may be fairly untouchable and drive well, but as soon as you put other people on the roads, it’s a disaster waiting to happen,” Sen Sgt Van Doren said.
He said large hoon gatherings “occurred from time to time” and tended to be held in industrial areas like Campbellfield.
“They’re pretty well attended and people come from all over – people come from Footscray, Altona Meadows and Melton,” he said.
Sen Sgt Van Doren said on 6 December last year, Hobsons Bay police joined with officers from Fawkner to target such a gathering.
The next day they arrested a 25-year-old Sunshine West man for conduct endangering life, driving in a dangerous manner and criminal damage.
