THIS TOPIC HAS BEEN ARCHIVED

Street racers feel the heat
By Larissa Cummings
March 16, 2004

A CO-ORDINATED series of raids involving 45 police officers has put the brakes on Sydney's illegal street-racing scene.

Guided by police helicopter Polair, officers from Flemington Highway Patrol and more than 20 area commands swooped on the hoons in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The raids were carried out in Fairfield, Padstow, South Strathfield, Homebush, Yennora and Bankstown.

The racers, who had come from across the city after receiving text messages and mobile phone calls, found themselves surrounded by police and sniffer dogs.

The hotted-up cars, including Fords, Commodores, Nissans and a BMW, were searched, seized and towed away in a 12-hour operation.

The 13 seized vehicles will be impounded for three months and the owners will face $1000 storage and towing bills on top of the instant $500 fines they received for doing burn-outs.

Police warned youths who get their kicks from doing burn-outs and drag racing in industrial areas across Sydney that more operations were to come.

"What many people do not realise is that, for a second offence, the vehicle may be forfeited to the Crown," said Superintendent Allan Wilson, of Flemington Police.

Mr Wilson said parents could lose their vehicles if their children were caught twice, and also warned of the dangers involved.

"When they do burn-outs and the car starts spinning its wheels, the spectators were pushing the rear of the vehicle to start it spinning – it's a very dangerous situation," he said.

In Sunday night's operation, which was run under the auspices of Operation Viking, police tracked and trapped two large groups of cars by blocking Nelson Ave, Padstow and Lisbon St, Fairfield between midnight and 2am.

Police issued 54 defect notices on vehicles ranging from an old Toyota van to a brand new BMW.

Three people were arrested for drink-driving, driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.

Police also issued 35 traffic infringements and 26 field court attendance notices.

More than 60 cars were methodically inspected for defects.

Common defects found were bald tyres resulting from burn-outs, lowered car bodies and altered exhaust systems.

Several of the drivers caught in Padstow were issued with field court attendance notices for trespassing after they tried to hide their vehicles on the premises of a nearby factory.

Sunday night street-racing meets had become a regular headache for police, with noise complaints from residents and the constant threat of reckless drivers racing at high speeds on suburban streets.

However, the racers said they only met in industrial areas late at night to minimise the risks.

"If Eastern Creek was open more often, we wouldn't have to come here," Sam Salah, 22, said.

Mr Salah's Nissan Skyline was confiscated by police yesterday morning, along with his friend Eddie Semerci's BMW M3.

They estimate each car to be worth more than $70,000. "It becomes a hobby," said Sam. "Some people do up houses, we spend time and money on cars."

--------------------

4 2005 [Supra MK3 1989 Twin Turbo] COMING SOON!
4 Race [Birkin Clubman on Highly Modded Toyota 4AGE with Motec M4]

Brand new Beamers Good work police

15th March 2004 - 03:04 PM  Reply  Quote

are you serious??? you have a BRAND NEW drag strip in sydney.........for starters.


really, think what your saying......how can u compare a skateboarder to some one street racing? what about danger to public?

good on the cops for doing their JOB. we are criminals to a degree, as we ALL break rules at some point or another, no matter how minor they are.

15th March 2004 - 05:06 PM  Reply  Quote

umm all they need to do is put spectators behind concrete walls
problem solved.

and close of some industrial steets at night and bam ... 5000 thousand dollar job and have everthing you need

15th March 2004 - 05:08 PM  Reply  Quote

in nsw they can forfeit your car that law has been in for a while with regards to burnouts, 3 strikes and they forfeit your car

15th March 2004 - 06:11 PM  Reply  Quote

WSID ring any bells brand new multi $$$$$$$$$$$$ complex.


as for the comments about real criminals Like the ads says (insert ---> racing not DD)

"racing on the street is an offence" so yes they are real criminals

15th March 2004 - 06:13 PM  Reply  Quote

or you could run 19 sec passes down the 1/4... then people will want to race you..


oh no. my secrets out...



while there is straight roads and traffic lights.. there will be illegal street racing.

15th March 2004 - 06:48 PM  Reply  Quote

umm.. last wednesday @ willowbank i got there after 7pm.. had 6 runs and was parked and done by 8:30.. thats not too bad.

15th March 2004 - 06:58 PM  Reply  Quote