Dad takes on hoons via social media to protect children

A DAD in Melbourne’s east has taken to social media in a bid to protect his children from the hoon menace in his neighbourhood and prevent a tragedy.

Tony Sacco has started a Facebook page to tackle the hoon problem. Picture: Josie Hayden

A FATHER of two is using the power of social media to stop hoons.

Tony Sacco is so worried about the safety of his young children, and others in the neighbourhood, he started the Facebook page ‘Stop the hooning in Banyule’.

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Mr Sacco said hooning had ramped up in recent months and he wanted to make authorities aware of the issue.

He’s worried dangerous driving will end in tragedy.

Mr Sacco said his wife recently heard hooning and a loud bang in Viewbank, and when she peered out the window to see what happened, there was only a large cloud of white smoke.

“This time it happened in broad daylight, just as children in the neighbourhood were about to walk home from school,” Mr Sacco said.

“This has to be stopped. Cars also speed along these roads and use them as rat runs to get around Rosanna and Lower Plenty Rd.”

Greensborough highway patrol Sergeant Wayne Burton said police were using strategies to try and deal with the behaviour.

Sgt Burton said police were being tasked to areas with suspected hooning.

“We monitor social media to find out what’s going on,” Sgt Burton said.

“Quite often, the hoon will be out and around, texting and posting on social media.”

Sgt Burton advised the community to safely get details of the cars involved, if possible.

“If it won’t place you in danger, get the details of vehicles and numberplates, or get a photo,” he said.

He urged people to get in touch with the highway patrol team to report regular hooning.

“Call 000 immediately if it’s happening because we might have a car in the area and we can hopefully catch them doing it,” he said.