Is it worth reporting this to the police?

[p38arover]

I guess this question is aimed at forum members who are in the police force.

Today, whilst riding my motorbike, I overtook a bloke who, it seems, took exception to it.

He chased me down and got so close to me that I thought he was trying to tap the rear of my bike with his car (Rodeo ute). I couldn't accelerate owing to traffic in front and I couldn't overtake them owing to oncoming traffic so I pulled over to the left to let him past and to get away from him.

He then tried to push me into the barrier on the side of the road. It was a single lane bridge so there wasn't many places I could go (the very long one between Windsor and Mulgrave - this one: http://www.nearmap.com/'ll=-33.619355,150.826825&z=17&t=k&nmd=20110917).

There was little I could do except back off and let him go.

Had I reported him would the police have followed it up?

[101RRS]

I think that would be classed as road rage which is an offence. Police do tend to take it seriously (particularly if he tried to force you off the road).

Maybe nothing will be done but you should report it - if the police are not too busy a warning letter might just end up in the persons mail.

Garry

[alexturner]

That sounds horrible man - some people have some real serious issues. Never the less if simply overtaking him lead to him reacting like that, he shouldn't be on the road. Let the police know, there's always someone standing at the desk in the cop-shop with not much to do.

[33chinacars]

Simple . Dob the Ba*#^~d in.

Hope you got his rego

Gary

[101RRS]

Maybe nothing will be done but you should report it - if the police are not too busy a warning letter might just end up in the persons mail.

Garry

A friend of mine used to own an Audi 80 Quattro - not a power house with 2.6V6 and slowed by the awd - you do not spin wheels in a low powered quattro.

He received a letter in the mail form the local police that a person had reported him for doing wheelies in his Quattro - now this guy drives like a pensioner (sorry pensioners it is just a term - oh I am a pensioner) so did not really happen. The letter was a warning and that it would go onto his driving record and taken into account in any later driving offences. The guy pleaded his case but the police said the warning would stand. The guy then demanded the issue be considered by a magistrate in court and if the police did not initiate that action, private legal action to have the warning removed would be started.

The police withdrew the the warning - it was based on the say so of one individual without and independent proof - so police do take these sort of reports seriously.

[drivesafe]

Hi Ron, and you should report it.

There is a good chance this scum bag has done it before and as such, if it’s been reported before then the police have something to go on.

I had a clown run into the back of my last RR.

He took off and when I got out and had a look at the damage, all he had done was knock the trailer plug loose.

I didn’t bother reporting it to anyone but my wife.

Big mistake BIG mistake.

She hounded me for an hour till I gave in and rang the local police.

Glad I did because while I didn’t have a number plate, the police told me that he could have made a bogus complaint against me and it would not have looked good for me if I had not reported it.

Ring it in even if nothing comes of it, at least you have covered your own arse.

[wrinklearthur]

Hi Ron

Report him! but it would be a waste of time for all concerned, unless you could also give the police the rego number as well.

Cheers Arthur

The Cooks home! catch you all tomorrow.

[Hymie]

I think that would be classed as road rage which is an offence. Police do tend to take it seriously (particularly if he tried to force you off the road).

Garry

Definitely report it, the other driver might just have a few priors, in which case they need to be penalised.
However, Road Rage is not an offence on it's own, at least not in Victoria.
Dangerous Driving and Conduct Endangering Life are however.

[VladTepes]

Report it !

I hope you didnt nearly bang up that XJR :lol2:

[Tank]

I guess this question is aimed at forum members who are in the police force.

Today, whilst riding my motorbike, I overtook a bloke who, it seems, took exception to it.

He chased me down and got so close to me that I thought he was trying to tap the rear of my bike with his car (Rodeo ute). I couldn't accelerate owing to traffic in front and I couldn't overtake them owing to oncoming traffic so I pulled over to the left to let him past and to get away from him.

He then tried to push me into the barrier on the side of the road. It was a single lane bridge so there wasn't many places I could go (the very long one between Windsor and Mulgrave - this one: http://www.nearmap.com/'ll=-33.619355,150.826825&z=17&t=k&nmd=20110917).

There was little I could do except back off and let him go.

Had I reported him would the police have followed it up?
Ron, a waste of time mate, the cops don't want to know if you don't have independent witnesses who are willing to give a statement and appear in court, I have had 2 instances like this, last one the missus and I were run off the road by an overtaking small truck and trailer, got the trailer number and make and model of small truck (VW flatop) and the name of the business written on side of truck. Reported it within 15 minutes to local cop shop, trailer number plate came back as stolen and still the cops did nothing.
Got beaten up by 2 thugs after they ran into my car, reported it to local cop shop (Petersham, Sydney), had blood streaming down my face, all the cop behind the counter wanted to know was how many witnesses I had, nothing done.
So unless you have an incident in front of a bunch of Nuns who will go to court for you and maybe a video of the incident, forget it, sorry you came across this moron, Regards Frank.

[Ausfree]

Having read all the posts and weighed up the probabilities....I would report it!! This guy has serious anger management issues and if he has done this to you he will continue to do it and somebody will get seriously hurt or killed one day!!:angry: I am not a cop but if you report it maybe something will be done and maybe not but at least you have satisfaction in trying to remove this scumbag from the roads. I hope you got his numberplate though!!;):D

[kenleyfred]

Report it, however the one time I have reported a case of road rage against me all I got was a partially sympathetic ear. They didn't even take notes.

I forget his name but just this week am Olympic hopeful for next years games was riding his bike to training and was apparently purposely run down in s hit and run. Radio report stated the P plater swerved to hit him and then did a runner.

If the police could have some sort of a database on reports of bad behavior perhaps the book could be thrown harder if they are ever caught.

[bee utey]

There are probably other places to dob in bad drivers, ask your local RTA. I found some private websites that might help:

How's My Driving? HowsMyDriving.com.au (http://www.howsmydriving.com.au/)

http://www.figjam.net.au/index.php/arr-database/catalog'search=Not%20keeping%20to%20the%20left%20w hen%20required

[SIImad]

Report it, as this fellow will repeat his behaviour, and next time with possible lethal consequences, if you got his rego the police will be able to run an IBR check on him and ascertain his criminal/driving record.

I recently went through a similar situation, where a Landcruiser owner forced his way at a round about and then persued me for about 5km attempting to side swipe my Land and force me off the road. When the police called at his residence they also searched his vehicle and found a sawn off semi auto rifle, his excuse for being in possesion of it--in case the police ever pulled him over!:o some people really make you wonder!!

[blitz]

As a fellow rider - I would report it (if you got the number plate) knowing that probably nothing will be done about it, but if enough report them then hopefully the police will be able to go ok finally got you with witnesses and all these prior complaints

[p38arover]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

I got a partial plate no. but that's all. I know it was a white trayback ute with a dog cage on the back with several large black and white long haired dogs. I suspect he was a local.

Oh, Vlad, it was the V-Strom. I was on my way to BMI for some LR parts and needed the top box to carry them.

[Mick_Marsh]

I wouldn't bother. a waste of time.

A truck ran me into the gutter. I damaged my front left wheel. The tail end of the trailer just clipped and took out my drivers side mirror. I found a police station and tried to report the incident.
The police told me to "<expletive> off".

Waste of time

[Grumbles]

It depends on which individual copper you encounter - some are good and others couldn't care less and if it was in Vic I would report it but if in NSW then I wouldn't bother.

[Treads]

The police told me to "<expletive> off".


A police officer told you to "<expletive> off"? :rolleyes:

[wrinklearthur]

A police officer told you to "<expletive> off"? :rolleyes:
No, he was told, not asked.

Cheers Arthur

[austastar]

Hi,
ask to file an Incident Report.
It goes on the system and is easily recalled if an officer is researching past behaviour of a driver or vehicle.
Easy to do and no problems for the staff.
cheers

[rovercare]

A police officer told you to "<expletive> off"? :rolleyes:

Plenty of times:D

In all honesty probably best to let karma have this one, nothing will happen, you can't identify them







Personally I'd of followed them afterwards, to have a friendly chat as to why that sort of behaviour is not ok:)

[Tombie]

Hence why I have my sports cam running on my bike when out riding!

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Ron, a waste of time mate,
<snip>
So unless you have an incident in front of a bunch of Nuns who will go to court for you and maybe a video of the incident, forget it, sorry you came across this moron, Regards Frank.Even having a bunch of nuns is not always proof.

Years ago I worked on a primary health care unit for the Dept. of Health in Sydney's Kings Cross. One night a "street kid" sat on the bus talking to myself and the counsellor, together with two "Sisters of the Good Shepard order" nuns.

Several days later the kid came up and told us he had been charged with an assault that happened during the period when he was on the bus with us chatting. Even though he had two Dept. of Health employees and two nuns as witness, the court would not dismiss the charge untill all 4 of us appeared in court to testify in person.

This was delayed because one of the nuns was at the Vatican in Rome when the case was heard. Had he not appeared for one of the hearings, he would have been guilty of "failure to appear" an imprisonable offence even though he was not the perpetrator of the assault.

[ade]

I had a similar thing happen while my wife was was on the back off my zxr 750, tried to overtake a old bloke in a jaguar, he swerved to try and knock us off, not once but three times i pulled up to him to give him a mouth full and the old ***** said he was his right to try stopping me overtaking as he thought i was speeding.

[BigJon]

About 18 months ago the missus and I made statements to the Police regarding a truck drivers lack of skills. When initially reported (late at night) the Police told us to come back the next day to make statements. I suspect that they thought we would not bother, however we did.
The officer that took the statements said a ticket would be issued to the truck driver which he could pay (an admission of guilt) or contest (requiring a court appearance, not likely).
We never heard anything further about the incident.

[Mick_Marsh]

A police officer told you to "<expletive> off"? :rolleyes:
Yep.
Oh, by the way, Victoria police do not have officers. America do.
I have found in my dealings with the police I tend to get the ones with attitude.

[Treads]

Oh, by the way, Victoria police do not have officers. America do.

Umm, okay. I wouldn't know I guess :angel: Yes, technically it is 'Police Member' - although the current trend is that 'Police Officer' is used, even in many govt publications.



I have found in my dealings with the police I tend to get the ones with attitude.

What a coincidence.... :o


;)

[Disco_owner]

Hi Ron , I think there is plenty of advice here regarding wheather you should report the matter to the police or not , so i'll just keep out , But Just to say that I'm glad that you are ok from that implication. :)

[LSD_AUTOMOTIVE]

I say report it...

An individual I know was involved in a road rage incident, the other party reported said individual and the police came knocking a few months later. In this case there was apparently damages but I still feel it's worth the report.

What happens if the same individual does it to someone else and that person gets killed? The information you provide could help determine the vehicle and driver based on location, part rego etc.

And I'm so very glad you're alright

[alittlebitconcerned]

It depends on which individual copper you encounter - some are good and others couldn't care less and if it was in Vic I would report it but if in NSW then I wouldn't bother.

Agreed. In the inner city of Sydney I witnessed my neighbor reverse into my girlfriends car, she also heard the loud crunch from inside our house. He took off and the next time I saw his car the damage that should have been there had miraculously disappeared. He is a sign writer and very handy with paint.
I called the cops who came. I got out the tape measure and showed all the damage on my girlfriends car lined up perfectly with the rear chasis rails and tray of his work ute, I told them we both witnessed it, I showed them the impact points on his car had fresh paint on it and they said without independent witnesses we did not have a case against him and that they could not see how I concluded it was his car that hit mine! I nearly fell over.
I told them that they weren't prepared to do anything I'd talk to him and sort it out myself. They reluctantly agreed to talk to him when they knew I was serous and guess what, he admitted it. Even after admitting this they still did not want to write a report which they still haven't. One cop who looked like he was just out of nappies was obviously a quite thick, not his fault i guess, but the older one calling the shots just couldn't be bothered. If it happened again I wouldn't call them, absolutely no point. If I ended up with an assault claim leveled against me from the neighbor, I be confident with these two muppets hot on the case not a thing would happen to me. Pathetic.

[Ralph1Malph]

I forget his name but just this week am Olympic hopeful for next years games was riding his bike to training and was apparently purposely run down in s hit and run. Radio report stated the P plater swerved to hit him and then did a runner.

I call scam:D. Sorry, probably Gen Y (Y do we bother).

Sorry, had to call you on this one :p. Was on the news last night. He's a card carrying fibber.:D:D

Ralph

[kenleyfred]

my apologies Ralph
next time I hear a news story on the radio I'll wait a week or so and see if it turns out to be phony before posting.
Silly buggar isn't he/me
Kenley

[Ferret]

The police told me to "<expletive> off".

Waste of time

I was threaten with assault by a police officer in a police station when I went to report an accident which nearly killed my parents.

My father had just minutes before been discharged from hospital after ~ 5 weeks recovering from a heart attack and a stroke. My mother was driving him home. A truck run through a red light clipping my parents car as they were about to turn in front of the truck (they had the green light). The truck did not stop.

I was waiting at my mother's place to assist my father from the car and help get him up four front steps into their house.When they finally got home and told me what happened and I saw the damage to the front of their car I went to the local police station to report it.

The lone copper on duty refused to take the complaint unless it was reported in person by my parents. I told the copper that wasn't possible and the reasons why, my father was sick and in an agitated state, my mother could not leave my father to come by herself.

The copper insisted they attend the police station before taking the complaint. I said again they can't attend, it is not possible and that I am reporting the accident on their behalf. I said / did nothing which could have provoked the copper other than say 'my parents are not going to come to the police station'. At this point the copper snapped and threatened to jump the counter and 'punch my lights' out, I can only guess for defying his instructions.

I was absolutely stunned. I asked if there was some else I could speak to and was told there was nobody else. At this point a switch seemed to flick on inside the coppers head and he apologised for his behaviour. Asked for more details about it all and promised to sent some police to my parents place to take a statement which did happen.

I did not report the interaction with the officer concerned, there were other issues to deal with concerning my parents. I think some individual coppers are unsuitable to the job, probably poorly trained knowing only an authoritarian approach to the job and some are just way over stressed.

[land864]

Whilst I don't like the concept , I felt compelled to make use of the Dob in a hoon hotline in Vic recently.

After a week of witnessing a goose in an SS comodoe ute weaving in and out of traffic and cutting people off , during my daily commute and then on the Friday this same goose tailgating me while I was doing 80kmh in a 70kmh single lane zone and then overtaking me around a blind corner on double white lines I had to make the call.

I don't know if anything happend but he does seem to have settled down a bit.

[mick88]

Sounds like you should have had a water pistol full of brake fluid handy.

The "DH" could have killed you and others, I wonder how many motorists or motorcyclists he has done this too!


Cheers, Mick.

[87County]

I was threaten with assault by a police officer in a police station when I went to report an accident which nearly killed my parents.

...........

I did not report the interaction with the officer concerned, there were other issues to deal with concerning my parents. I think some individual coppers are unsuitable to the job, probably poorly trained knowing only an authoritarian approach to the job and some are just way over stressed.

It is very unfortunate that this happened and can only say that you are probably right about the unsuitability and lack of appropriate training - at least you were able to handle it far more maturely than he was apparently able to.

I'm posting this to record that my recent contact with a lone policeman in an isolated outer Sydney location was quite the opposite. I was asking for his help about reporting the loss (not theft) of some valuables whilst travelling and he could not have been more helpful. The property was eventually found & recovered by someone else but this policeman's attitude was helpful and realistic .

When reading this thread I couldn't help having the feeling that if I was reporting something like the subject of this thread this particular policeman would have been just as helpful.

I would be disappointed if one bad apple.....

[Grimace]

I know a few people are claiming it to be a waste of time, but either way you should report it. Then you have at least gone out of your way to do the right thing.

If the police decide to let it fall on deaf ears, while it is sad to believe, then you can't blame yourself if this nut was to repeat his actions.

I often wish I had obtained and reported a rego plate after watching their actions towards other drivers. Unfortunately I often overlook the situation a little too late.
It especially peeves me when people show no respect for L platers, tailgating them or feeding them a mouthful of dribble.

edit: Actually I have just been reminded of a plate I stored into my phone about a year ago. It was attached to a highway patrol car that accelerated and past me then proceeded through a light that had turned red.
Another instance where I should have reported it but didn't, would have been an odd conversation that one :D.

[eddiec]

My experience would agree with reporting it....

A couple of years ago I was cycling back from the shops with my wife - Some twit P-plater went past and i felt a thump on my hip and then realised that they'd thrown a shoe at us from their open window on the way past. No one was hurt (although if my wife had been hit (a less experienced cyclist) she might have been), but I was furious at the sheer lack of any sense of responsibility and the dim-wittedness of the whole thing.

Felt silly calling the police to say "This car threw a shoe at us while cycling, but we're both fine", but he took it seriously, took the rego and called them up. Turned out to be the parents' car the kid was driving with a bunch of his mates - So even though one of his mates threw the shoe, not only did the driver get his mum and dad coming down on him (who were apparently furious that he'd done such a thing), but he got booked for littering too! All with no witnesses and one phone call to the police....

Certainly made reporting it worth it for us :)

[p38arover]

i felt a thump on my hip and then realised that they'd thrown a shoe at us from their open window on the way past.

My wife was hit on the chest by a hamburger thrown at her from a passing car as she walked across a bridge at Emu Plains. So what? Well the bridge is on the M4 and the car was probably travelling at 110km/h.

I shudder to think what might have resulted had it been a bottle and it had hit her in the head. As it was she was quite bruised.

[Bushie]

Report it through the police assistance line and ask for the incident report (COPs ?) number. My experience is they do generally act on things, although I haven't reported a road rage type incident. If nothing else it adds to their intelligence database for future reports.


Martyn

[MickS]

Just go in to Penrith PS Ron and report it...don't speak to the newb behind the counter, especially if he/she tries to fob you off. Ask to speak with the supervisor. Tell them what happened. Bad luck if there are no other witnesses. With luck, they may take a statement. At least use their direct line to PAL if they have it and report it to them. Either way, make sure you have written down somewhere time/date/place and as much detail of the incident as you can recall.

[vnx205]

If you don't report it, then you can be quite sure that nothing will be done and there will be no documentation that might be useful to corroborate a subsequent report of similar behaviour by that individual.