Police on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula have deployed drones against hoons on overpowered e-bikes, trail bikes, motorbikes and illegal monkey bikes.
The drones, part of Operation Track, are utilised to help identify offences and track down the riders.
They are operated by the newly formed High Visibility Community Engagement Team (HiCET) following concerns raised to police by residents, particularly in the Hastings, Rosebud and Mornington areas.
Across just four shifts police have responded to multiple reports of riders travelling at excessive speed, riding recklessly through public spaces, and putting pedestrians and other road users at risk.
In its first two months, Operation Track has impounded four unregistered motorcycles, recovered a stolen car and a stolen motorbike, and made nine arrests, including:
- On 4 July, a man was spotted riding a motorbike with no registration plates. Further checks revealed the motorbike had been stolen from Pakenham in 2022. Members on the ground were guided by drone operators, leading to the arrest of a 55-year-old man who had an outstanding warrant for an alleged assault during a road rage incident on 19 May. He was charged with riding a stolen motorcycle, disqualified riding and criminal damage. He was bailed to appear in Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 2 September. The motorcycle was seized, and checks are being done to return it to its rightful owner.
- Two men aged 20 and 21 who were allegedly seen riding unregistered dirt bikes dangerously and conducting monos, before posting and boasting on social media. Search warrants were executed in Rosebud and Dromana, where two dirt bikes were seized, along with electronic devices and clothing relevant to the investigation. The pair is expected to be charged with reckless conduct endangering life and multiple traffic offences.
Police also intercepted several vehicles being driven dangerously and spoke with multiple riders on e-bikes and e-scooters to educate them about their safety obligations.
PINs were issued for unlicensed driving, use of an unregistered vehicle, use of a mobile phone, not wearing a helmet and excessive speed.
Trail bikes and dirt bikes being ridden on public land and in state forests need to be registered, have lights and brake lights fixed, and riders must have a licence.
E-bikes need to adhere to Australian safety regulations, including having functional pedals and motor assistance that cuts off after reaching 25km/h.
Mornington Peninsula Local Area Commander Inspector Ivan Petrunic said that despite the warnings, police continue to see riders putting not only themselves at risk, but also pedestrians and other road users.
“Many of the riders have little to no protective equipment and are travelling at excessive speeds; a recipe for serious injury or death if they lose control.
“While police are out to enforce the rules to keep riders safe, we are also balancing this approach with education.
“We have also spoken to parents to make them aware of the dangers before purchasing an electric bike or trail bike for their children.
“Bikes that are not compliant with Australian standards, are unregistered or overpowered should not be ridden, especially by children.
“More e-bikes, trail bikes, monkey bikes and dirt bikes will be impounded if riders refuse to do the right thing.”
More information on the relevant rules can be found here: www.police.vic.gov.au/e-bike-safety
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