Police crackdown on kids on scooters terrorising Perth’s northern suburbs
Three teenagers have been charged after a group calling themselves ‘The Hitters’ posted multiple videos of themselves performing dangerous stunts and throwing rocks at passing motorists.
WA Police have cracked down on a group of youths terrorising the northern suburbs of Perth after locals reported escalating anti-social behaviour, including rocks being thrown at passing vehicles.
Locals told 9 News Perth they were “fed up” and had enough, urging police to act.
This week they did and launched Operation Moorhead, leading to the arrest of three teenagers after they received multiple complaints of them allegedly throwing objects at people and vehicles, intimidating members of the public, riding recklessly on public roads, evading police and publicly posting their antics on social media.
The incidents have occurred in Mindarie, Carine, Currumbine, Burns Beach and Duncraig.
“I’ve seen them playing chicken, essentially, with cars,” one local told 9 News Perth.
The behaviour that some of the group filmed themselves partaking in included damaging homes, lighting fires in the street, residents abused, objects thrown at their properties.
The group is believed to call themselves ‘The Hitters’ and post videos of their escapades online.
“The fact that children feel so emboldened by the lack of consequences that they would film this kind of really atrocious activity and put it on social media is deeply, deeply concerning,” opposition police minister Adam Hort said.
Locals told 9 News Perth they had been calling the police about the same teenagers for months but that nothing was done to address the behaviour.
This week that changed and now a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old have been charged with failing to stop for police, using an unlicensed vehicle on a road, as well as possession of a prohibited drug.
“The community are reminded that the use of electric off-road bikes on public roads is illegal and those caught riding them whilst unlicensed risk having their devices seized and destroyed, in addition to facing charges and appearing before the court,” a WA Police spokesperson said.
“Police are working closely with partner agencies and local government to ensure fast and effective
enforcement to target those responsible engaging in reckless and dangerous behaviour.”
The public can assist police by reporting any incidents they witness immediately to police on 131 444.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of those involved in antisocial behaviour in the
community can also make a report to Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by
calling 1800 333 000. Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.