Two charged over hooning in Southern Tasmania

Police allege two young people were hooning in separate incidents in Southern Tasmania. Here’s what happened.

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Two young people charged over hooning, vehicles seized: Police

March 6, 3.30pm: Two young people have been charged over alleged hooning incidents today, and their respective vehicles seized, police say.

Officers alleged a 22-year-old Granton man was hooning on Lamprill Circle at Herdsmans Cove.

Police laid charges and have seized his vehicle for three months.

A 15-year-old Gagebrook teenager was also charged and had his petrol-powered bike seized for 28 days, police say.

Police accused the teen of riding at speed without safety gear on Tottenham Rd at Gagebrook.

Inspector Luke Horne said hooning was reckless and dangerous.

“No matter how skilled the driver or rider believes they are, hooning behaviours put lives at risk,” hes aid.

He urged anyone who witnesses dangerous driving to report it by calling Tasmania Police on 131 444.

“By working together, we can hold reckless drivers accountable and make our roads safer for everyone.”

Waterbombing aircraft acting swiftly on Boyer fire

1.40pm: Crews have been working to quickly contain a bushfire at Boyer with the use of waterbombing aircraft targeting the blaze.

A Tasmania Fire Service spokesperson said they were alerted to the danger near 1432 Boyer Rd at 12.35pm.

Waterbombing aircraft at Boyer. Picture: Paul Browning

He said he wasn’t aware of any houses in the direct path of the fire, saying there were houses nearby but the direction of the blaze seems to be going away from them.

It’s understood the aircraft has contained the bushfire.

There are no smoke or general alerts for the blaze current.

Jet ski crash on River Derwent

11.15am: Police are investigating a crash involving a jet ski on the River Derwent on Tuesday night.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at Granton about 6.20pm.

It’s believed the two men were riding a jet ski and crashed when they lost control.

One man suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital, and the second man was uninjured.

Police say they suspect alcohol might have been a contributing factor to the crash.

They confirmed the injured man was the driver of the jet ski and was undergoing mandatory blood testing.

Police say no firearm used during Huonville incident

UPDATED: Loud bangs heard during a disturbance at Huonville this morning wasn’t from a firearm, Police say.

The update comes as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Police said the noise was specialist police using non-lethal force to safely take a person of interest into custody.

March 5: Police suspect a firearm was discharged during an incident involving a group of people at Huonville in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Police say they are investigating the incident with one person in custody this morning.

Inspector Colin Riley said police responded to reports of a disturbance at Huonville in the vicinity of the Esplanade and Main Rd around 1.10am.

He said the incident allegedly involved a group of about six people.

“Multiple police units attended, including specialist resources,” Inspector Riley said.

He confirmed no injuries were sustained during the disturbance and that the people involved were understood to be known to one another.

“Understandably this incident will be concerning to people who were in the area around the time, and I’d like to assure the community that the incident is contained, and an investigation is ongoing.”

Cyclist with serious injuries following collision with car

March 4, 4.05pm: A cyclist has been taken to the hospital in a serious condition following a collision with a car.

Emergency services were called to Cambridge Road at Warrane around 3.30pm on Tuesday to reports of an incident involving a cyclist and vehicle.

Police said the cyclist was transported by Ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital for medical treatment, after sustaining serious injuries.

The road remains blocked and diversions are in place at Bruny Street and Zeehan Street.

Police taskforce in state’s north records 116 charges laid and $12K in stolen property recovered

1.25pm: A police taskforce aimed at reducing crime and youth offenders in the state’s north is touting record results in its first month of operation, including recovering $12,000 in stolen property and recording 116 charges.

Taskforce Raven was developed by Tasmania Police in January this year as an answer to community concerns on a rise in youth crime and “anti-social and unlawful behaviour”.

Since February 3, Police said taskforce members have conducted searches at a number of properties – with firearms, drugs or stolen property found at each search.

Police confirmed 28 people had been arrested as part of the taskforce, with more than 116 charges laid, five firearms seized and approximately $12,000 worth of stolen property recovered.

Of the 28 people arrested, charges included firearms-related offences, stealing, breaching bail, burglary, aggravated burglary and driving offences.

During a targeted search at George Town in February, taskforce members arrested a 29-year-old George Town man in relation to firearms possession and family violence offences.

Police said they also located drug paraphernalia and cannabis at that address and a 30-year-old George Town woman will be proceeded against for minor drug charges.

A gun seized by Tasmania Police's Taskforce Raven. Picture: Tasmania Police

A subsequent search of a second George Town residence resulted in the seizure of an air soft gas-powered handgun stored in a plastic bag in a bedroom, an M4 gel blaster, a taser, and small quantities of illicit substances.

Police said a 32-year-old George Town woman will be proceeded against in relation to the seized firearms.

The George Town man was detained to appear in court.

Police said two youths have also faced court over two alleged armed robberies in Launceston, nabbed as part of Taskforce Raven.

Police charged a 14-year-old boy after he allegedly entered a business on Paterson Street about 7.30pm on Saturday, February 22, while in possession of a knife.

The youth allegedly stole alcohol, before fleeing the business on foot and without injuries to staff or shoppers.

Police said the 14-year-old has also been charged in relation to a second armed robbery, during which he and another 14-year-old boy allegedly entered a business on Invermay Road about 10am on Sunday, February 23 while in possession of a knife.

The pair allegedly stole alcohol before they fled the store on foot.

Nobody was physically injured.

A gun seized by Tasmania Police's Taskforce Raven. Picture: Tasmania Police

Both youths were charged by members of Taskforce Raven and detained to appear in court.

Detective Inspector Nathan Johnston said these results showed the taskforce was working.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in our community, and we know that there is a small number of people who are responsible for the majority of crime committed,” he said.

“We know there have been concerns in the community about anti-social and unlawful behaviour, particularly within the CBD.

“Taskforce Raven is just one of a number of strategies and our members will continue to proactively target known offenders to make our community safer for everyone.

“While our taskforce members have been delivering great results, we also need the community’s help.

“If you have information about repeat offending, we urge you to contact the taskforce on 131 444.”

Anyone with information about recidivist offending or anti-social behaviour in the Northern District can contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

Police bar 70 people from licensed venues in south

11.41am: Police have barred 73 people from licensed venues in southern Tasmania in a crackdown on disorderly conduct at pubs, clubs and bars.

Southern District Licensing Unit Sergeant Peter Andricopoulos said police are continuing to focus on public safety and creating a safe environment for all at licensed venues.

“We work closely with venues to ensure anyone whose behaviour poses a public safety risk, or breaches liquor licensing laws, is prevented from entering licensed premises,” he said.

“So far this financial year we have issued 73 barring orders.

“These orders have been issued for a range of reasons, including intoxication and acting in a violent or disorderly manner.

“Barring orders have also been issued for the safety of staff and patrons when serious assaults, drug offences and property damage have occurred or threats have been made to staff.”

Sergeant Andricopoulos said police would continue to work with licensed venues to ensure compliance with liquor licensing legislation.

Operation targeting illegal hunting inspects 140 vehicles

March 3, 9.26am: One person is being investigated by police and 140 vehicles were inspected as part of the opening weekend of fallow deer hunting season in Tasmania.

A joint operation between Tasmania Police and Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) targeted illegal hunting in the Central Highlands.

Tasmania Police Inspector Luke Horne said the operation was to ensure compliance with hunting regulations and promote public safety at the start of hunting season.

“During the operation, police and NRE Tas officers intercepted and inspected over 140 vehicles,” he said.

“The vast majority of hunters were found to be operating within the law, and we commend those who are adhering to regulations and hunting responsibly.

“We want to make it clear that Tasmania Police supports licensed hunters who follow the rules, but we will not tolerate illegal activity.

“Those who trespass or cause damage not only put themselves at risk but also undermine the efforts of responsible hunters.

“We appreciate the co-operation of the hunting community and thank the NRE Tas officers involved in this operation.”

Tasmania Police confirmed one individual was detected trespassing and investigations regarding this are ongoing.

“Joint enforcement efforts such as this will continue throughout the year to ensure public safety, and raises awareness of firearms and hunting laws.”

Antlerless fallow deer season begins on March 15 and wild duck season begins on March 8.

Two youths charged with theft of goods valued over $3000

March 2, 10.39am: Two 15-year-olds will face court after being charged with a combined 40 counts of stealing, allegedly valued at over $3000.

The two boys were arrested on Saturday as part of the Tasmanian Police’s Taskforce Reprisal, targeting crime reduction, retail theft and anti-social behaviour.

Acting Sergeant Katie Swift said both boys would appear in court for alleged shoplifting dating back since October 2024.

“A 15-year-old boy will appear in court today charged with 32 counts of stealing, 16 counts of trespass, four counts of breaching bail, two counts of mark graffiti, one count of injure property, one count of possess graffiti equipment in a public place and one count of unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place,” she said.

“The second youth, a 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with eight counts of stealing, seven counts of trespass, one count of mark graffiti, one count of possess thing used for administration of a controlled drug, one count of unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place, and one count of possess graffiti equipment in a public place.

“The boy will appear in court at a later date.

“The youths targeted fragrances, clothing and food items, valued at over $3000.”

“Tasmania Police will continue to prioritise the safety and security of our community and where appropriate, necessary and authorised by law, we will be charging those who offend and putting them before a Magistrate.”

Acting Sergeant Swift said Tasmanians “deserve to feel safe” out in public, in their workplaces or at home.

Anyone who witnesses illegal or anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it to police on 131 444, or triple-zero (000) in an emergency.

Woman driving 2km/h was excessively drunk: police say

3.40pm: An elderly woman who was slowly driving at a speed of about 2km/h was excessively drunk, police allege.

The 74-year-old was reportedly travelling on Weston Hill Rd at 9pm on Wednesday when intercepted by police.

Officers said the woman allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of 0.252, which is more than five times the legal limit.

Police said the woman was served an excessive drink driving notice and had her licence immediately disqualified.

She is set to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on May 28.

Group accused of riding dangerously in Central Highlands

2.20pm: Police responded to reports of dangerous driving by a large group of motorcycles riding southbound on Highland Lakes Road from Liawenee this morning.

Officers allege the group of six bikes were detected travelling at 164 km/h.

The group was also accused of overtaking dangerously on the rural road.

It wasn’t the only incident, with officers saying they also intercepted seven Victorian riders near Bothwell.

Police claimed the group admitted to speeding and said they would be proceeded against.

Officers said they weren’t the only riders initially observed.

The need for speed was a concern for Bridgewater Division Inspector Luke Horne, who said “motorcycle riders, we need to talk”.

“The recent examples of high-risk riding on our roads are not just numbers in a report — they’re real people, real lives and real tragedies wanting to happen,” he said.

“We don’t want to knock on the door of your loved ones to tell them you’re not coming home.

“But if this kind of reckless behaviour continues, that’s exactly what will happen.

“Ride within your limits. Ride to the conditions. Ride like your life depends on it – because it does.”

He said there had been an influx of riders taking on Tasmanian roads at well over the speed limits.

The inspector urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of dangerous driving to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Man accused of driving while four times over limit

1pm: A 53-year-old man is accused of driving four times over the legal alcohol limit when intercepted by police on the Channel Highway, officers will allege.

Police report the incident occurred at Huonville at about 5pm on Thursday, with the man allegedly returning a reading of 0.210 after being breath tested.

On top of drink driving charges, the Cygnet man is also facing driving while disqualified and failing to wear a seatbelt charges.

Police said he was detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday.

Huonville Police’s Sergeant Simon Ward warned driving under the influence of alcohol placed individuals and other road users at risk.

“We will continue to proactively patrol our roads to ensure everyone is doing the right thing,” he said.

“Road safety is a community responsibility.”

Firearm trafficking charges laid

February 28: Several mobile phones, firearms and firearms parts and ammunition was allegedly found during a police raid of a Herdsmans Cove home on Thursday, officers say.

Police accused a 48-year-old Herdsmans Cove man of being involved with a firearms trafficking operation.

Officers said the man was arrested at the scene and that police will allege he was trafficking and storing illegal firearms.

He was also charged with drug and family violence offences.

The man was expected to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday morning.

Originally published as Two charged over hooning in Southern Tasmania