By BRIDGET COOK
A MAN tried to flee and a stolen car was located during a police operation in Cranbourne North this week.
Police, together with the Sherriff’s Office, set up an Automated Number Plate Recognition operation on the South Gippsland Highway between Hallam Road and Golf Club Road on Tuesday.
Almost 4000 vehicles were scanned during the operation which resulted in a number of drivers being charged for a range of offences by police.
One 19-year-old driver from Pakenham, who was detected as having an unregistered vehicle, fled from the site but was apprehended a short time later. He was arrested by police and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, evading police, learner driver drive while unaccompanied, fail to display L plates and fail to obey lawful direction by police.
His vehicle, a Holden Commodore station wagon, was also impounded and he has been released pending summons application.
Another vehicle was also located which had allegedly been stolen from a hire company 14 months ago.
The 33-year-old female driver from Cranbourne was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and has been bailed to the Moorabbin Justice Centre on 16 July.
One driver was detected driving under the influence of drugs and seven defective vehicles were issued with notices of unroadworthiness.
Eight drivers will face court for driving while suspended and 15 penalty notices were issued for unregistered motor vehicles.
More than 500 warrants were executed by the Sheriff’s Office, with more than $170,000 recouped in fines from 25 people of interest.
