Bendigo far from being the hoon capital

WITH the coverage given last week to the crushing of a hoon driver’s vehicle, little attention was given to the suburbs and cities where hoon offenders are apprehended.The Age on July 29 published a breakdown of hoon offender hotspots; this is also found on the Victoria Police media website.Far from being the “Hoon capital” of Australia, Bendigo does not even feature in the top 20 for Victoria.It is time to once and for all abandon the misapprehension that Bendigo is the “Hoon capital” of anywhere.Ours is a safe, inclusive and tolerant city; generally law abiding and infused with a tremendous community spirit.Although often unappreciated, our city’s harmony and safety help make Bendigo and central Victoria such a wonderful place to live and raise a family.Our police and legal and social structures deserve applause and support.Those who talk down Bendigo as a hot spot of crime do no favours for our city and region.Instead we should present Bendigo as the leading regional city in Australia; something the Bendigo Business Council is eager to acclaim.KEVIN DE VRIES,Executive officer,Bendigo Business Council