Gympie Police seek public help for Operation Redline hooning crackdown

Gympie Police are asking the public to help them crack down on deliberate dangerous driving, including burnouts and hooning, across the Gympie District.

Police launched Operation Redline in September, targeting offenders who engage in this behaviour and the associated property crime, including the theft of tyres, trailers and vehicles. Officers are also going after those who encourage, organise and film the dangerous driving, with the aim of disrupting them and deterring anyone thinking of joining in.

Police say they continue to use a range of intelligence and enforcement methods, but are encouraging the public to report information that may assist investigations, including:

• number plates, makes and models of vehicles involved, and especially notable features such as modifications or stickers
• identities and descriptions of people involved
• the exact time, date and location of events and incidents
• direct links to posts showing deliberate dangerous driving
• dashcam footage of incidents

Police stressed that people should never put themselves at risk to obtain details, saying personal safety comes first.

Police say reports can help them identify drivers and lay charges where there is sufficient evidence, seize vehicles for mechanical inspection, recover stolen vehicles, and investigate vehicles with missing, altered or suspicious identification. They can also help police immobilise or impound vehicles where legal requirements are met, identify others involved in encouraging or organising hooning, and link vehicles, people, locations and repeat incidents to support targeted patrols.

Anyone with information can contact Policelink on 131 444, or use the online suspicious activity form via the Policelink website, which is available 24 hours a day. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through the Crime Stoppers website.

The Queensland Police Service said enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving, and that every choice behind the wheel matters.