Police have charged eight people as part of an operation targeting hooning and other dangerous driving along the Botany Bay foreshore in Sydney's south last night.
Officers from St George Police Area Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were stationed across more than 16km for Operation Engage, targeting speeding, drink, drug and reckless driving between 5pm and midnight (Saturday 16 January 2021).
They were assisted by officers from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), who were focusing on car defects, noise pollution and emissions.
Operation Engage continues as part of the ongoing policing response to anti-social behaviour and traffic offences in the area.
"Police and the community are fed up with motorists disturbing the peace and endangering lives in the area with reckless driving," St George Police Area Commander Detective Superintendent Anthony Cooke said.
"Driving like a maniac doesn't make you tough, it just shows a complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of others – and it won't be tolerated by police," Det Supt Cooke said.
During the operation, officers charged eight people and issued eight suspension notices and 73 infringements for traffic related offences. Police contacted 200 roadside breath tests and 68 random drug tests.
Incidents of note include:
• About 6pm, the 19-year-old driver of a Nissan Maxima was stopped for speeding on Somerville Street, Arncliffe, and returned a positive roadside drug test. During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly located a a knife and balaclava. The Arncliffe man was charged for driving whilst suspended and issued an infringement for possession of a knife in a public place and will face court at a later date. Police are awaiting the results of a secondary oral test.
• About 8.30pm, the 30-year-old driver of a Holden Commodore utility was stopped on General Holmes Drive, Brighton Le Sands, and returned a positive roadside drug test. He was issued a suspension notice. The same driver was stopped during the operation and again returned a positive roadside drug test. The Carlton man was issued court attendance notice for drive contrary to prohibition notice and will face court at a later date. Police are awaiting the results of a secondary oral test.
• Just after 10.30pm, the 17-year-old rider of a motorcycle was stopped on West Botany Street, Rockdale and found to be driving whilst disqualified, the fifth incident in a month. The Greenacre man was charged and granted strict conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday 23 February 2021.
"What we've shown during the operation is that community safety and wellbeing is our priority and drivers who break the law will be detected and penalised," Supt Cooke said.
"We'll continue to have a strong presence in the area, with ongoing operations throughout the year. We're also continuing to encourage the community to report dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour."
The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) inspected 25 vehicles and issued 18 defect notices, while the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) inspected 21 vehicles and issued 15 defect notices and 14 infringements totalling over $4000.
Anyone with information about dangerous driver behaviour is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
