Seized monkey bikes set to be destroyed at Frankston Council public crushing day
HOONS caught riding monkey bikes in the streets will have them seized and crushed, with an upcoming “destruction day” in Melbourne’s southeast expected to become a regular event.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Monkey bike ‘scourge’ still a problem
- Monkey bike blitz nets 200 illegal vehicles
- Monkey bike teen’s defiance revealed
- Monkey bike hoon jailed for mum’s death
FRANKSTON Council is sending a crushing message to monkey bike hoons: ride in the streets and your bike will be seized and destroyed.
The council is planning a Mini-bike Destruction Day where they will crush at least 10 bikes that were seized last year.
Acting chief executive Tim Frederico said the day, expected to be held in the next couple weeks, could become a regular event.
Monkey bikes have been banned from public places in Frankston since 2007. Riders who breach the law can have their bike confiscated and if they fail to pay a release fee of $800 within seven days, they can be destroyed.
“This ban came into effect following concerns about noise and public safety,” Mr Frederico said.
“Children are not in a position to fully understand the road rules and pose a genuine risk to themselves and the community.”
The destruction day comes following the release of a disturbing video showing an illegal rider hooning through Seaford streets and the recent sentencing of monkey-bike rider Caleb Jakobsson, 20 who ran down and killed Carrum Downs mother Andrea Lehane in 2015.
“Tragic incidents such as this affect not only those directly involved, but their relatives, friends and the entire community,” Mr Frederico said.
“We are concerned that in light of this tragic situation there are still a number of people doing the wrong thing.”
Mr Frederico urged parents to think carefully before purchasing monkey bikes for children and, if they did, to teach and encourage responsible riding and ownership.
The number of bikes that have been seized and crushed since the ban came into effect has dropped from 44 in the first year to 15 last year.
Carrum Downs Police Senior Sergeant Ron Barbary said he hoped publicly destroying the bikes would help the message sink in.
“It’s an expensive learning curve — once the bike has been crushed it’s never coming back,” Sgt Barbary said.
“Save your money, ride your bike at a motorbike track, it’s a safer environment than on the streets where you put yourself and other people at risk.”
The council and police encourage people to report monkey bike users and hoon driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to the council on 1300 322 322.