Operation Moorhead: Police seize 11 e-rideables and charge boys after launching operation targeting hooligans

Police have seized 11 e-rideables and charged a further three boys just days after launching a major police operation targeting teenage hooligans in Perth’s north. Joondalup Police on Monday launched Operation Moorhead following several “serious and violent incidents” involving youths filming themselves throwing rocks at passing cars, hurling abuse at locals and recklessly riding e-scooters and e-bikes. Police on Thursday confirmed they had charged three teenage boys — aged 14, 16 and 15 — over two separate incidents in Mindarie and Carine on Wednesday night. The 14-year-old, from Jindalee, is accused of fleeing police in Mindarie about 6pm before being intercepted by officers and taken into custody. He has been charged with no authority to drive, using an unlicensed vehicle on the road and failing to comply with a direction to stop. The 16-year-old was also charged with no authority to drive and using an unlicensed vehicle on the road after allegedly speeding on a high-powered e-bike through several roads, ovals and footpaths in Carine. The e-bike has been seized and is set to be destroyed. A 15-year-old was also arrested in relation to the Carine incident and was charged with no authority to drive, using an unlicensed vehicle on the road, possessing a prohibited drug and possessing drug paraphernalia. The boys will face court at a later date. It comes after police on Wednesday charged a 15-year-old boy for allegedly flinging rocks at cars in Padbury, before fleeing to a nearby street. He was tracked by a police helicopter and 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. As part of Operation Moorhead, drones, helicopters and CCTV towers have 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. Several videos posted to social media show teens riding around on e-bikes and e-scooters, and tossing rocks and water balloons at passing vehicles, including a Transperth Bus. A police spokesperson said it was illegal to ride off-road bikes on public roads, and warned those caught would face charges and have their bikes seized and destroyed. “Police are working closely with partner agencies and local government to ensure fast and effective enforcement to target those responsible engaging in reckless and dangerous behaviour,” the spokesperson said. “Operation Moorhead reinforces WA Police Force’s commitment to community safety and holding offenders accountable for unlawful behaviour.”