Police target hooning at 'totally unacceptable' rural gatherings

ACT Policing operation targeting dangerous driving in rural areas sees fines, defect notices issuedPosted Wed 23 Sep 2026 at 2:27pmWed 23 Sep 2026 at 2:27pm, updated Wed 23 Sep 2026 at 2:34pmWed 23 Sep 2026 at 2:34pmPolice said people driving after late night gatherings in rural areas put community safety at risk. (Supplied: ACT Policing)In short:A joint operation by ACT Policing, ACTP Intelligence, Rural Patrol and Tuggeranong Police Station has targeted hooning in rural Canberra.The operation returned 76 fines, 45 vehicle defect notices and three vehicle seizures, and detected a number of drink and drug drivers. What's next?Police warned against late-night gatherings in rural areas, saying those who drive irresponsibly harm public safety.Three vehicles have been seized and over 70 fines issued as part of an ACT Policing operation targeting dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour.ACT Policing said last weekend's operation focused specifically on Canberra's rural areas, with assistance from ACTP Intelligence, Rural Patrol and officers from Tuggeranong Police Station.The operation resulted in 76 fines and 45 vehicle defect notices issued across Friday and Saturday nights.Three vehicles were seized for "improper use".The operation resulted in fines, defect notices and arrests. (Supplied: ACT Policing)Police also detected two people driving under the influence of alcohol, and five driving under the influence of drugs."You've only got to drive along some of our rural roads to see the aftermath of some of this activity, which is totally unacceptable to our rural communities," Detective Inspector Mark Steel said."Large gatherings of people in rural areas late at night presents a significant risk to community safety, and we have a zero tolerance for those who engage in dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour."Police said one man was arrested for an outstanding warrant during the operation, and another man who was subject to bail conditions was charged with driving while disqualified and possessing an offensive weapon.Police issued 76 fines and 45 vehicle defect notices over two nights. (Supplied: ACT Policing)Detective Inspector Steel said police would continue to focus on dangerous driving."We will continue proactive patrols and enforcement activities to target hooning behaviour and remove dangerous drivers and their vehicles from our roads," he said.