In short:
Over 30 people have been arrested in Brimbank during a police blitz targeting hoons and car thieves. The operation uncovered stolen plates, drugs, and unlicensed drivers. One Point Cook man allegedly hit 200km/h with drugs and cash on board.
Over a recent four-night operation, local police in Brimbank have arrested more than 30 dangerous drivers and car thieves. The operation, known as Operation Ghost, involved local police working in conjunction with the Public Order Response Team and Air Wing to target car thieves and dangerous driving in the area.
During the operation, police disrupted a local hoon meet in Keilor Park and arrested an alleged drug trafficker caught speeding at up to 200km/h on a major freeway. A machete-wielding car thief was also apprehended.
Local units involved in the operation included the Brimbank Neighbourhood Policing Team, Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit, Caroline Springs Crime Reduction Team and Brimbank Highway Patrol. A total of 33 people were arrested for offences such as speeding, vehicle theft and dangerous driving. In addition, 38 fines were issued for various driving offences.
Four drivers were found 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 number plates were also recovered during the operation.
Among the key arrests was a 32-year-old Point Cook man who was apprehended after being observed by the Air Wing travelling at speeds up to 200km/h on the Western Ring Road. Upon search, police found approximately $16,400 in cash, as well as cannabis and methyl amphetamine. The man was charged with a range of offences and is set to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 18 August.
Operation Ghost ran from 28 to 31 May and more operations are planned for the future.
Brimbank Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Kerrie Clarke, commented on the operation: “We, like the community, are rightly concerned about dangerous driving on our roads, including those stealing cars to further their offending. Vehicle crime is a huge priority for us, with offenders arrested weekly and stolen cars regularly being recovered. 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.” Clarke added a stern warning to any potential offenders: “Know that police are out every day and night looking to detect offenders, prevent offending and build our intelligence holdings. To anyone who thinks they can drive dangerously on our roads in stolen vehicles – let this be a reminder that you will be identified and police will ensure that you are held to account.”
