By VANESSA VALENZUELA
A GROUP of Taylors Lakes residents terrorised by hoons are calling on the State Government to install CCTV cameras along their streets.
Frustrated residents of Hanslow Way are taking a stand against the hoons that race down their roads each week, smashing into fences, destroying trees and assaulting neighbours.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, told Star they had been bullied and attacked by the hoons for more than five years.
“The hoons have ruled our streets long enough. The hoons have made us afraid to be in our own homes,” the resident said.
“Because of the hoons, we are afraid to open our front doors. Because of the hoons, we are afraid to let our children play in the front garden.”
Last month Keilor MP Natalie Hutchins tabled a petition in Parliament calling for the installation of CCTV cameras at the intersections of Hanslow Way, Australia Drive and Lady Nelson Way to deter hoons, criminals and drug users.
“I was overwhelmed with the 188 people who signed the petition because it’s clearly an issue for the people of Taylors Lakes and I applaud the residents who have taken it up,” she told Star.
Ms Hutchins also called on the Minister for Police and Emergency Services to allocate more police officers and staffing resources to Keilor Downs Police Station which she believes will deter hoons from racing down the street.
Brimbank City Council’s General Manager of Infrastructure and Environment Paul Younis said the council is currently investigating traffic conditions in Hanslow Way and considering the installation of road humps.
“If the road humps are justified (based on the traffic survey results) and majority of residents are shown to favour the installation of the road humps, then a business case will be developed seeking funding from Brimbank’s future Capital Works Program,” he said.
Brimbank Inspector Mick Grainger said residents being harassed by hoons should take down a description of the vehicle and a registration number.
He urged residents harassed by hoons to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
