For years, the residents of Sanctuary Point have suffered from hoons using their streets as drag strips. It’s been a constant source of complaint and one of the chief arguments for a police station to be constructed in the area.
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The late-night and early morning roar of poorly muffled engines and squeal of burning rubber has made life miserable for residents for far too long. Not only do the hoons disturb people’s sleep, they make what should be quiet suburban streets places of danger.
So there was a sense of relief – probably not for the hoons, though – when last weekend police mounted an operation to crack down on hoons and non-compliant vehicles. There was also a sense of “about time”.
Police conducted 126 mobile random breath tests, which resulted in four positive tests, two low range and two mid range. Six positive drug driving tests for methamphetamine and cannabis were also recorded.
Numerous traffic infringement notices were handed out. Disturbingly, nine were for driving uninsured and unregistered vehicles. Several vehicles were defected, two so seriously they had to be towed away.
When we reported the crackdown via our Facebook page, a number of comments betrayed a sense of frustration. While the blitz was welcomed the point was made that this is an ongoing problem that needed ongoing policing. One reader suggested that a mobile police command vehicle should be tasked to keep the pressure on hoons – a suggestion that seems to have merit.
There was also suggestions of other areas in the Shoalhaven that would benefit from similar crackdowns. One was Elizabeth Drive in Vincentia and the other was Meroo Road in Bomaderry.
The police say the blitz was mounted in response to community concerns raised at crime forums in Sanctuary Point. The high profile crackdown on ice was one result from the forums; this blitz on hoons was another.
If residents in other areas are having their lives made miserable by the behaviour of an irresponsible few, they should call the police so the incidents are logged. That way, similar enforcement exercises can target trouble spots.
Rather than suffer the noise and danger in silence, residents affected by hooning need to pick up the phone and tell the cops. The response might not be immediate but the more calls to police, the more likely action will be taken.