Council puts brakes on hoons

A NEW campaign aimed at stamping out hooning on the Eastern Shore urges residents to make a stand against dangerous driving to help make our local roads safer.

Clarence City Council and Tasmania Police recently launched the ‘Dob in a Hoon’ campaign, which encourages residents to better report reckless driving and other antisocial behaviour to the police.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the community was fed up with antisocial behaviour and was no longer willing to tolerate it in their backyard.

"Clarence is not unique in the fact that hooning, street racing, burnouts and other dangerous driving behaviours are a great concern for the community due to a small minority of people," he said.

"We want to send a clear message that this kind of unsafe behaviour is unacceptable in our city, and that we implore our residents to work hand-in-hand with Tasmania Police to stamp out this behaviour."

Designed to drive people toward the appropriate avenues to report dangerous driving and other antisocial behaviour, the campaign is running alongside Tasmania Police’s ‘Enough is Enough’ road safety campaign, involving targeted messaging across social media and community notices.

"We know that many residents are concerned about this kind of behaviour, and have been for some time,” Mayor Blomeley said.

“With the recently announced increase in police attention and resources this is now the perfect time to act.

“In order for things to change, I want to remind community members who witness any anti-social behaviour that it is their right - and responsibility - to report all unlawful behaviour."

The Clarence City Council welcomed this month’s commitment by Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis of $860,000 to Tasmania Police for drones that can pursue offenders through remote and normally inaccessible terrain.

Mayor Blomeley said he was thrilled that crime rates in Clarence have reduced in recent months, proving that new initiatives by Tasmania Police, Council and State Government have been quick to take effect.

He said the ‘Dob in a Hoon’ campaign is part of the council’s broader efforts to make the suburbs more liveable, which also include developing master plans, introducing community development programs, and improving streetscapes and lighting to create more safe spaces.

“We urge all residents to do their part by reporting dangerous driving behaviour, and together we can make our community safer and more enjoyable for everyone,” Mayor Blomeley said.

Residents are encouraged to report hooning and any other dangerous driving behaviour they witness to the police -

• While it is happening - call the nonemergency number 131 444

• After the event - report via the Tasmania Police website or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to remain anonymous

NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch’s regular ‘Cuppa with a Cop’ events at local shopping centres are giving community members the chance to chat with Tasmania Police officers over a free hot drink.

Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) is the largest community-led crime prevention movement in the world. Research has shown that an active NHW can reduce crime by more than a quarter, and that visible NHW signage can help create a greater sense of safety within a neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood Watch works with Tasmania Police to provide crime awareness information and build community connections and support.

A Cuppa with a Cop event at Shoreline Plaza on 15 February was attended by guests including Police Commissioner Donna Adams, several local police officers, Neighbourhood Watch representatives, Cr Tony Mulder and Clarence Deputy Mayor Allison Ritchie.

“It was great to see so many people participate in this free community event inviting residents of Howrah and surrounding areas to come along for a complimentary beverage at Banjo's and meet with Tasmania Police Officers to discuss community issues, ask questions and get to know a little more about community and local police work in the area,” Ms Ritchie said.

For more information about Neighbourhood Watch and Cuppa with a Cop, go to www. nhwtas.org.au

If you see something suspicious or not right, you can report it to either Tasmania Police on 131 444 or CrimeStoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.