ACT Policing is reminding drivers that it is illegal and highly dangerous to conduct deliberate burnouts on public roads after numerous incidents of burnouts, hoon driving, and anti-social driving behaviour in recent weeks, particularly in the rural areas of the ACT.  

The warning comes after a 16-year-old boy from the Tuggeranong region was arrested for one such incident over the weekend.  

About 12.40am on Saturday 22 April, police observed a gathering of vehicles at the intersection of Tidbinbilla Road and Point Hutt Road. Upon arrival, police observed shredded tyres, melted molten rubber on the roadway, and a strong smell of burnt rubber.  

A 16-year-old boy was spoken to by police, however fled the scene in another vehicle a short time later. He subsequently presented to Tuggeranong Police Station on the evening of 23 April, where he was arrested.  

The boy will appear in the ACT Childrens Court on a total of seven charges – escape from lawful custody, improper use of a motor vehicle, provide false information to police, drive unlicenced (licence never held), drive unregistered vehicle, drive uninsured vehicle, and plates calculated to deceive.  

Officer in Charge of Tuggeranong Police Station, Detective Acting Inspector Elizabeth Swain said it is only a matter of time before one of these reckless, thrill-seeking incidents ends in tragedy.  

“They may not realise it, but people who engage in burnouts, hooning, street racing and other dangerous activities are one mistake, one lapse in concentration, or one unexpected bump in the road away from having a serious collision where they could kill not only themselves, but other road users,” Detective Acting Inspector Swain said.  

“Police simply will not tolerate this kind of anti-social behaviour on our roads, wherever that may be, and neither should the ACT community.  

“The road is there for everyone to use safely and responsibly.  

“I would like to remind drivers that police actively target burnout and anti-social driving ‘black spots’, and if you are looking to fill an evening with this kind of ‘entertainment’, police will catch you.” 

ACT Policing urge members of the public to come forward with information about anti-social driving activities so patrols can target areas appropriately. Call 131 444 if you see it occurring, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have information about anti-social driving.