A $120,000 pink Mercedes has been seized by police as they crack down on dangerous hoon meets terrorising locals in Melbourne.
Victoria Police arrested 14 men on Wednesday and Thursday in connection to an alleged illegal hoon meet at Marine Parade in St Kilda on January 21.
More than 100 people gathered on the busy street as drag racers performed burnouts through the streets late into the night.
Following the illegal meet, officers executed 14 search warrants over the last two days in a handful of suburbs across metropolitan Melbourne.
A $120,000 pink Mercedes has been seized by police as they crack down on dangerous hoon meets terrorising locals in Melbourne
Victoria Police arrested 14 men on Wednesday and Thursday in connection to an alleged illegal hoon meet at Marine Parade in St Kilda on January 21
They seized 12 cars, including the flashy Mercedes, which totalled more than $370,000 in value.
Police said the 14 men arrested are aged between 18 and 45 years old.
They have been charged with a raft of offences including conduct endangering a person, possess prohibited weapons and attempted criminal damage, among others.
The arrests came as Victoria Police launched a new state-wide operation to clamp down on hoon meets.
Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett said: ‘Hoon activity is dangerous and not simply a bit of harmless fun. We’ve seen these kinds of behaviours result in both death and serious injury.’
‘Operation Achilles will target those who blatantly disregard the law and as a result, put the safety of the entire community at risk.
Police said the 14 men arrested are aged between 18 and 45 years old
‘We know this type of behaviour is incredibly frustrating for local residents and police are committed to working closely with community groups to address their concerns.’
Mr Barrett said authorities have no tolerance for illegal hoon activity and they remain committed to prosecuting anyone involved in the ‘dangerous’ behaviour.
‘The penalties for hooning are significant and our message to anyone out there is simple – we will find you, arrest you, put you before the courts and seize your car,’ he said.
Shocking footage from January 21 allegedly showed cars flying down the road and performing a string of burnouts as the crowd shouted and cheered.
One woman shared to social media that the night was complete ‘madness’.
‘They drove like lunatics, once police got there they threw and smashed bottles on police cars. Police pepper sprayed them from their windows,’ she said.
‘It was crazy.’
Shocking footage from January 21 allegedly showed cars flying down the road and performing a string of burnouts as the crowd shouted and cheered
This post was first published on DailyMail.