Operation Thump Shaker nabs 11 in Aurora

Drivers with "obnoxiously loud" stereos were targeted Tuesday by Aurora police during "Operation Thump Shaker."

Police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said 11 motorists were nabbed in different parts of the city for traveling with loud stereos that could be heard a minimum of 75 feet from their vehicles.

"'Operation Thump Shaker' is an undercover operation we've staged several times a year for several years," Ferrelli said Wednesday. "The stings are usually spurred by citizen or business community complaints or by what officers on the street observe during their shifts."

All 11 motorists were issued at least a $75 ticket for the noise violations. Four of the 11 vehicles were impounded per city ordinance, which increases the costs for drivers who have to pay an impound fee and for towing and storage on top of the citation.

Ferrelli said the arresting officer is able to make the judgment on whether to impound the car based on a driver's status as a repeat offender and whether the motorist has insurance and a valid license.

Police also arrested three motorists they stopped during the detail for not having valid driver's licenses.

The operation targeted the parking garage at Downer and Stolp downtown, along with the west side areas of Lake Street and Gale Avenue; and the 900 block of West Illinois Avenue. Similar operations are planned in the future.