Media release

Hooning – Groote Eylandt

Police

Northern Territory Police have seized another vehicle after a hooning incident in Groote Eylandt yesterday.

Police were conducting traffic duties and attempted to stop a white Toyota Landcruiser for the purpose of a road side breath test.

As police approached, the 23-year-old driver allegedly sped off, losing traction and damaging the road. The car was later found abandoned in nearby bushland and was seized for 48 hours under anti-hooning legislation.

Upon further investigation, police identified the driver. He was issued an infringement for:

  • fail to obey direction of member (not stop)
  • drive unreg/uninsured motor vehicle less than 12 months
  • drive unsafe motor vehicle
  • drive vehicle - loss of traction
  • drive vehicle - damage road surface
  • drive at a dangerous speed

 

Senior Sergeant Tanya Woodcock said, “This behaviour will not be tolerated. This is the fifth vehicle seized for hooning in Groote Eylandt this week. We expect to seize two more as investigations continue into hooning incidents on New Year’s Day, in which one person subsequently died.”