DUBBO and Nyngan have been among the key focus areas for a police strike force which has seen more than 400 charges laid for high-risk driving behaviour.
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Strike Force Puma, a specialist highway patrol unit, has charged 260 people with a range of offences during its first year of operation.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said the strike force was formed to target high-risk drivers and high-risk driving behaviour.
During the past 12 months, charges have included: drink driving, DUI offences, driver licence offences (disqualified, suspended, unlicenced, cancelled or refused), performing aggravated burnouts, film and promote aggravated burnouts, goods in custody and the supply and possession of prohibited drugs.
"The bulk of the strike force work has centred in the Sydney metropolitan region and there has also been deployments to the Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Newcastle, Nowra, Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga, Nyngan and Dubbo," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Strike Force Puma has conducted numerous operations to target known high-risk drivers and has actively engaged with numerous car clubs to encourage and bring about changes in driving behaviours and attitude.
Assistant Commissioner Corboy said some of the noteworthy arrests include:
- Investigations into numerous wedding and genders reveal burnout offences that have led to the arrest and charge of offending drivers and those who have either filmed or promoted the activities,
- Investigation, arrest and charge of an Indian national, in Australia on a student visa, who had amassed more than $20,000 in fines and was wanted on domestic violence-related warrants.
- Investigation, arrest, extradition from Queensland and charge of disqualified driver, who rammed a police vehicle to avoid apprehension.
Strike Force Puma has assisted investigators from agencies such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Roads and Maritime Services and Revenue NSW, and has provided support and resources to operations conducted by other specialist areas within the NSW Police Force.
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