
More than 30 dangerous drivers and car thieves were arrested during a recent four-night operation in Brimbank.
As part of the co-ordinated operation, police disrupted a hoon meet in Keilor Park, arrested an alleged drug trafficker and stopped a machete-wielding car thief.
Brimbank Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Kerrie Clarke, said vehicle crime is a “huge priority” for police.
“This was a successful operation leading to 33 offenders being arrested, but it is only one example of the many ways we are constantly targeting road safety, car thefts and burglaries in our community,” Acting Inspector Clarke said.
Dubbed ‘Operation Ghost,’ the operation involved local police working alongside the Public Order Response Team and Air Wing to target car thieves and dangerous driving between May 28 to 31.
An alleged hoon meet in Keilor Park was disrupted on May 30, with police intercepting four vehicles as the cars dispersed, one of which had an alleged cancelled registration and was impounded.
The driver, a 22-year old man from Melton South, is expected to be charged on summons with several driving offences.
A 32-year old Point Cook man was arrested after he allegedly drove a motorbike up to speeds of 200km/h on the Western Ring Road. Police allegedly found methyl amphetamine and $16,400 upon further searches.
In addition, a 27-year old man from Maidstone was arrested and charged with multiple offences after police recovered a stolen car and seized a large machete from the vehicle on May 31.
Thirty-three people were arrested throughout ‘Operation Ghost’ for speeding, stolen vehicles and dangerous driving. Thirty-eight fines were also issued for driving offences.
Four drivers were detected speeding more than 45km/h over the limit, while seven were driving on a suspended or disqualified licence.
Police also detected six unregistered motor vehicles, three drink drivers and recovered one stolen car.
Six stolen or false numberplates were also recovered during the operation.
“We, like the community, are rightly concerned about dangerous driving on our roads, including those stealing cars to further their offending,” Acting Inspector Clarke said.
Police said more operations are planned in the future.