By BEN CAMERON
MORE than 150 cars were seen leaving the Bate Close industrial estate last Tuesday night following another night of hoon behaviour and reports of gunfire in the troubled hot spot, police say.
Pakenham police have vowed to keep a closer eye on the area, following alleged destruction of property.
Acting Sergeant Frank Bailey said “a heap of cars were seen clearing that address”.
One anonymous business owner claims over 200 cars had gathered, with some doing burn-outs and torching bins and tyres.
The same business owner tipped off the Gazette with similar complaints in July.
A T-intersection in the estate was littered with multiple burn-out marks and burnt rubber the following morning.
“They are a well-organised gang,” the business owner said.
“They should be in Formula One they are that well organised.”
Act Sgt Bailey said Bate Close could become a “high targeting area” in future for local police.
“It’s a major concern,” he said.
“It sounded like it exploded quite a bit.
“There were unconfirmed reports of gunshots. But we tried to call the person back and they wouldn’t pick up.
“150 cars were seen leaving towards the city. There’s been a few incidents down there.”
He said police would look into more intensive investigation including increased patrols or CCTV surveillance.
A Traffic Management Unit van attended the scene.
“CCTV surveillance is an expensive exercise,” Act Sgt Bailey said.
“It’s not an easy thing.
“You could set something up and have nothing happen for three weeks.
“A heap of cars were seen clearing that address. We got a few calls.”
Act Sgt Bailey said it was disappointing following a relatively quiet 12 months in the area.
“It had quietened down a bit but it’s all flared up again,” he said.
He said he understood the frustration of business owners: “I don’t blame them.
“It’s typically car clubs (involved). It’s not typically people who carry firearms.”
However a man who worked in a Bate Close business said the issue was a storm in a teacup.
“No damage is caused, there isn’t up to 200 cars like some people say,” he said.
“They do a few burn-outs and then they leave.
“It’s illegal, but they don’t even leave a McDonald’s wrapper.
“We need a place for them; put that in your paper.”
