Acting Sergeant Graeme Crouch, Senior Constable Jerome Murnane and Senior Constable Nathan Ratcliffe are ready for business. 72383 Picture: XAVIER SMERDON
By XAVIER SMERDON
POLICE from Wyndham and Brimbank are joining forces in an attempt to stamp out life-endangering motorcyclists and trail bike riders in the western suburbs.
Last week Victoria Police announced that the two municipality’s Highway Patrol Units would work together to target troublesome two-wheel drivers, utilising the Wyndham Off Road Motorcycle Unit.
Acting Sergeant of the Wyndham Highway Patrol, Graeme Crouch, said that illegal motorbike and trail bike activity was a constant threat to resident’s safety.
“It’s a huge, massive problem,” Acting Sgt Crouch told Star.
“Residents can’t walk around parks or other areas safely because these people are terrorising their neighbourhoods with this erratic behaviour.”
“We’ve had a lot of near misses. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
As part of the operation, two motorbikes have also been loaned to the Highway Patrol by Wyndham City Council.
Acting Sgt Crouch said drivers could face minimum on-the-spot fines of $1500 if they are caught riding an unregistered motorbike on council property. It is even more of they are not wearing a helmet.
Inspector Bill Weatherly said in addition to law enforcement, rider education would be a key focus of the operation.
“While we will prosecute offenders for serious or repeated breaches of the law, we are also aiming to inform and educate riders of their obligations, not only on the roads but also in parklands, reserves and wetlands,” Insp Weatherly said.
