A 22-year-old Warialda man was charged in the early hours of Saturday morning after police were contacted regarding ‘hoon’ driving in Auburn Street, Moree.

The driver, who initially made attempts to evade police, was detained in Albert Street.

At the Moree Police Station he was formally charged with doing a burn-out, reckless driving, and drink driving.

While his licence was immediately suspended, his vehicle was also confiscated by police.

Barwon LAC crime manager, Detective Inspector Tim Beattie said local officers had legislation available to them which sees a hard line drawn in relation to hoon offences.

Inspector Beattie said: “Drivers who are charged with their first hooning offence have their car taken from them and impounded for a period of three months.

“A second hooning offence after that will see their car seized permanently by the state and auctioned.

“The responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel is huge – not only are you responsible for your own and your passenger’s lives, but also those of other road users and pedestrians.

“It is only for the sake of good luck that no other persons were injured during this past weekend’s incident – hoon behaviour coupled with drink driving is a lethal combination,” he said.

An 18-year-old female from Pallamallawa was also charged with drink driving following a vehicle stop in Alice Street Moree a short time later.

The red P-plate driver was charged with drink driving and will be required to face court on October 11.

In other news, a vehicle stolen during a break and enter at a Dover Street address was recovered on Thursday morning.

Shortly after 4am on Thursday, police were alerted to the break and enter in Dover Street, Moree.

Unknown offenders entered the premises where property including handbags, wallets and keys were taken.

A quantity of tools were also stolen before leaving in the victim’s vehicle.

The vehicle was recovered a short time later in south Moree and has been towed to Moree Police Station where investigations are continuing.