BUSTED: Constable Brent Barclay issues a driver with an infringement notice during a blitz on Ballarat roads yesterday.
ALMOST 100 offences were detected in just six hours of a police operation on Ballarat's roads yesterday.A total of 168 vehicles were checked in Operation Greasy, which involved 22 plain-clothed and uniform police officers.Criminal and traffic offences in the central business district were targeted.Four sheriffs also worked with police, apprehending people with outstanding warrants.The Ballarat Regional Response Unit ran the operation with officers from several other units.Senior Constable Chris Hardiman described the operation as a "huge success"."This close to Christmas it's amazing how many people just flaunt the road rules," he said."The amount of unlicensed and unregistered drivers getting around the town is unbelievable."We run this operation many times through the year, but people don't seem to care."Offences included: One person arrested for theft of motor vehicle; One to be charged on summons for possessing a controlled weapon; Three to be charged on summons for driving unlicensed or unregistered; 23 other unlicensed or unregistered drivers; 16 not wearing seatbelts; 10 talking on mobile phones; Nine speeding; Seven disobeying traffic signals; Three with false number plates; Two not displaying p-plates; One drink-driver; 18 general traffic infringements including parking offences.The sheriffs also apprehended 17 people with 88 outstanding warrants totalling more than $30,000.They were either paid yesterday or payments were organised.Sen Const Hardiman said although most of yesterday's offences were traffic-related, police were also paying close attention to theft of and from motor vehicles."Make sure you cover your valuables and lock your car," he said."At this time of year people are just leaving their car in a carpark with Christmas presents on the back seat."