Left: Police block off a section of Ormond Road in Narre Warren South as they continue the highly visible Operation CARE, targeting a staggering number of drivers committing crime and traffic offences. By Kelly Yates
A SECTION of Ormond Road in Narre Warren South was blocked off on Tuesday as police continued the highly visible Operation CARE, targeting a staggering number of drivers committing crime and traffic offences.
Police checked 109 cars from 2pm to 7pm and caught six unlicensed drivers, processed two people for drink driving, caught two people not wearing seat belts and issued four defect notices for unroadworthy vehicles.
Acting Sergeant in charge of the Casey Traffic Management Unit (TMU) Allen Inderwisch said one driver was charged with stating a false name and giving a false address.
Casey Response Unit caught a ‘P’ plate driver from Narre Warren with a small amount of cannabis in his vehicle. The driver was also issued a defect notice as his tyres showed signs of burnouts.
Act Sgt Inderwisch said police decided to set up along Ormond Road as it was a major side street with a high traffic flow.
At first glance, the operation looks like a random breath test set up, but once drivers are pulled into the parking bays and given the preliminary breath test, the car is then examined by the TMU and searched by the Casey Response Unit.
Plain-clothed Casey Response Unit officers check for drugs, stolen property and weapons.
Act Sgt Inderwisch said when examining the vehicles, he first looked at the brake lights and tyres.
He said drivers needed to be aware that police weren’t just checking older model vehicles.
“Any car is worth a check and police can issue defect notices on new vehicles,” he said.
Tuesday’s operation was dubbed a success after police also nabbed a driver for an attempted rape incident involving a Cranbourne West woman earlier that day.
Police intercepted the 31-year-old male driver as he approached the roadblock, with the help of other police over the radio.
He has been charged with attempted rape and bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Act Sgt Inderwisch said police were happy with the results, and added that the operation could be an ongoing initiative in the City of Casey.
Police will be out in force at various locations around Casey in the coming months. Operation CARE (Casey Area Road Enforcement) will run until March.
