Cool reception for Hotline

GREATER Dandenong’s Hoon Hotline is falling on deaf ears and has received less than 50 calls since its launch last year.
Despite Noble Park’s reputation as the hoon haven in the south east, Greater Dandenong Traffic Management Unit Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Denton said since its launch seven months ago, the hoon hotline had only attracted 40 calls.
“It’s been a little disappointing that the community hasn’t really responded to the initiative,” he said.
Sen Sgt Denton said the Hoon Hotline program had worked successfully in other regions and blamed a possible lack of awareness in the community.
“We really want to spread the word and get residents using the hotline more,” he said.
The Hoon Hotline is a joint partnership between Victoria Police and Greater Dandenong Council and encourages residents to report any unlawful, driving such as excessive speeding, revving of engines, skidding, fishtailing or ‘doing doughnuts’.
Sen Sgt Denton said callers would speak to a live operator and not an answering machine.
“A real person will answer, get as many details as possible and pass on the information for further investigation,” he said.
“We don’t necessarily need number plate details – even a description of the car and the driver can help.”
Callers can remain anonymous.
Victoria Police has impounded more than 1000 vehicles, including 22 from Dandenong, since new hoon legislation was introduced in July.
The Hoon Hotline can be reached on 9771 6600 at any time of the day.