Vic: Over 1000 hoons lose their wheels

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2007
Vic: Over 1000 hoons lose their wheels

By Melissa Iaria

MELBOURNE, Feb 1 AAP - More than 1,000 hoons have lost their vehicles since tough new
laws cracking down on anti-social street antics were introduced by the Victorian government
last July.

Of the 909 cars and 105 motorcycles impounded across the state, half were owned by
offenders with a probationary licence and one per cent were female, police figures show.

Twenty hoons have offended a second time and another two face charges for a third offence
which could see them lose their vehicles permanently.

The state government and Victoria Police today lauded the laws, saying they were helping
to put a brake on hoon-like behaviour.

Under the laws, first time offenders have their vehicles locked up for 48 hours.

Second time offenders face losing the vehicle for up to three months while third-time
offenders face permanent loss of their vehicles.

Police Minister Bob Cameron said hoons were starting to realise the repercussions of
their actions.

"What it means is that people disperse, they go home to watch DVDs because they know
that the police are out there on the beat," he said.

"It's anti-social behaviour that people don't want and that's why these laws are designed
to put the brakes on hoons."

Mr Cameron said only a small portion of people reoffended a second time.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner of Traffic Noel Ashby said the laws had been
an "outstanding success" and allowed police to act on the spot.

"The effect we're seeing with this legislation is profound," he said.

"We're seeing young people who have been full of bravado being reduced to tears and
being absolutely shocked and that impression is absolutely important.

"It relates and resonates with their friends ... that's the beauty of this legislation
and it's also targeting that high risk area for those that are over-represented in the
road trauma."

Mr Ashby said hoons generally tended to offend outside their own communities.

Police figures show 72 per cent of the offenders were aged 25 or under and three were just 15.

The top suburbs where hoon drivers live are Dandenong, Frankston, St Albans, Hoppers
Crossing, Mill Park, Ballarat, Craigieburn, Thomastown, Broadmeadows, Melton and Werribee.

AAP mi/gfr/jt/nf

KEYWORD: HOON

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