By AIDAN KNIGHT
A LATROBE Valley resident whose car was written off in a three-vehicle collision involving an alleged stolen car says an ongoing “hooning war” in their street is putting the community at risk while police struggle to respond.
The resident, Rob Gussenhoven, told the Express the crash was the latest flashpoint in a long-running pattern of burnouts and dangerous driving in the area.
“It’s like a hooning war,” he said.
“I’ve spoken to a few people around, and it’s all over Facebook. The police know who it is.”
The collision, which occurred early last July, involved three vehicles, with two neighbours’ cars written off, the resident said a stolen vehicle was allegedly at fault.
“When this incident happened, the actual car, a silver wagon, was doing burnouts in another street, and the police weren’t able to do anything because there’s only a small number of units,” Mr Gussenhoven said.
He expressed frustration that, despite repeated reports and extensive discussion on social media, police had not been able to stamp out the behaviour.
“I’ve already given them the information of where the car is, but they’re expecting people to do the police work for them and take photos of when they get in the car and drive off and all that sort of stuff,” the resident said.
“Why can’t the police just take authority?”
The local said the ongoing hooning was “triggering” for many locals and feared “more people [will] get hurt” if nothing changes.
In April 2026, Environment Minister for Victoria, Steve Dimopoulos, announced a $1.3 million, two-year trial of seven roadside acoustic cameras in Victoria to identify and address vehicles exceeding noise limits, but residents reported no effect on the issue locally.
Community concern has also been reflected online.
On July 26, Morwell resident Kenny McKay posted on the Morwell and Surrounds Community Facebook page claiming he had witnessed four cars allegedly running red lights near the KFC intersection in Morwell.
Mr McKay alleged three of the vehicles appeared to have modified exhausts and said they included a Commodore and an AU Falcon, with smashed windows and no number plates.
“There were no [expletive] given to other vehicles. Be careful on the roads,” he wrote.
The Express sought comment from Highway Patrol, who told their patrol officers were committed to holding hoon drivers to account, but investigations relied on evidence when offenders were not caught in the act.
“Anyone who witnesses hoon activity as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) so police can respond,” the spokesperson said.
“If police are unable to make arrests at the time, we require a witness statement from the reporting person to progress an investigation and take action.
“CCTV and dashcam footage also assists, particularly if we can connect someone to being the driver in the video.
“Each bit of intelligence we receive from the community helps inform our targeted patrols.”
Police encourage anyone with information about hoon activity to contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
While police say community reports and evidence remain critical to investigations, residents say they fear the dangerous driving will continue until more offenders are stopped before another serious crash occurs.
