Tara Murray
Brimbank has ranked second in the state for car impounds over the past 10 years.
Victoria Police figures released last month show that 4322 drivers had their cars impounded in Brimbank between 2011-2020.
That accounted for six per cent of all vehicle impoundments in that time.
Only neighbouring Hume had more impoundments over that period, with 4865.
Brimbank had the highest number of impounded vehicles between 2011- 2015, with Hume having the most in every other year.
Last year, there were 626 cars impounded in Brimbank, down from 637 the previous year.
Brimbank police said earlier this year that they were attending hoon meets on a regular basis.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said they were always concerned when people take part in high risk behaviour.
“Anyone posting a video on YouTube where laws are being broken should be aware that police are watching and will take action.,” the spokesperson said.
“Victoria Police regularly acts on information received regarding hoon offences. Police remain committed to removing dangerous and hoon drivers from the state’s roads, with thousands of vehicles impounded for hoon and dangerous driving offences each year.
“Police continually run operations targeting known hoon areas and hoon offenders, using both overt and covert tactics. This type of dangerous driving is unacceptable.
“Hoon laws allow police to take away the most important thing to a dangerous hoon driver – their vehicle.”
The high figures come despite Brimbank council introducing laws in 2018 which gave police powers to issue fines to anyone caught conducting or spectating at illegal, dangerous or harmful activity involving vehicles on council property or in a public place.
Since the laws were introduced, 327 infringements have been issued – there were none issued in the first three months of this year and just three in December, 2020.
Anyone with information regarding dangerous driver behaviour is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone who views videos depicting dangerous driving or witnesses hoon behaviour that is putting lives at risk should contact their local police station.
