Operation Moorhead: Police charge teen after launching new operation targeting youth gang in Perth’s north

Joondalup Police have charged a teenage boy after launching a new policing operation targeting a notorious youth gang causing carnage in Perth’s northern suburbs. Police on Wednesday launched Operation Moorhead following several “serious and violent incidents” involving youths on e-rideables throwing rocks at passing cars, hurling abuse at locals and running away from police. As part of the operation, officers charged a 15-year-old boy after a group of youths on e-bikes were allegedly spotted tossing rocks at vehicles in Padbury. The teenager allegedly fled the scene before he was tracked to a nearby street by a police helicopter. He was charged with no authority to drive, driver of a vehicle failing to comply with a direction to stop and using an unlicensed vehicle on a road,. He will face Perth Children’s Court at a later date. The boy’s e-rideable was seized and is set to be destroyed. A police spokesperson said Operation Moorhead had already identified a “large number of persons”, who they warned should be “expecting a visit from police”. “There will be no tolerance in the response to these complaints and unlawful devices will be seized permanently,” the spokesperson said. “We will be working closely with partner agencies and adopting strategies to ensure fast and effective enforcement.” In a disturbing video posted to social media, a group calling themselves the “Eden Beach Hitters” is filmed riding around on e-bikes and e-scooters, and tossing rocks and water balloons at passing vehicles, including a Transperth Bus. At one point, a boy can be seen hurling a large rock at a Mercedes Benz, shattering parts of its windscreen. Police said individuals posting videos of reckless behaviour would be prosecuted under Operation Moorhead, adding that unregistered e-rideables would be seized and destroyed. Drones, helicopters and CCTV towers will also be deployed to known areas. Police will also engage with parents, caregivers and schools, and will be issuing move on or banning notices at local shopping centres and retailers. “It is important any incidents from the public are reported to police via 131 444 or Crimestoppers,” a police spokesperson said. “Social media is not a method of reporting incidents to police.”