Cops crack down on planking craze

Planking, an internet phenomenon that involves posing for stunt photos lying down and posting them on Facebook, has come under attack from authorities.

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Planking, an internet phenomenon that involves posing for stunt photos lying down and posting them on Facebook, has come under attack from Queensland Police after a man was caught sprawling on a police car.

Planking involves participants lying flat on their stomach in different and sometimes dangerous settings.

They take photos of their efforts, which are then shared among fellow plankers.

Police issued a 20-year-old from Gladstone with a court appearance notice on Tuesday night after he was discovered "planking" on a police car.

Gladstone Police Sergeant Matthew Russell said officers are disappointed with the behaviour, and believed that plankers could risk serious injury and criminal charges.

"The activity is potentially dangerous, as proponents of the movement try to out-do each other by planking on structures and in precarious positions, putting themselves and others at risk of harm," Sgt Russell said.

"Also, entering a property or premises, for any reason, without permission is trespassing, and anyone caught doing this will be charged."

He said offenders caught in these dangerous situations could also be charged with Unauthorised High Risk Activity.

"While we appreciate the activity is light-hearted fun, putting yourself and others at risk and breaking the law will not be tolerated," he said.

Facebook group Planking Australia, which has 8,700 fans, shows pictures of planking enthusiasts; one photo shows a man lying on railway tracks.

Planker Michael Brannon defended the so-called sport on Facebook and accused police of overreacting.

"Bloody ridiculous if you ask me, just a bit of harmless fun and they are wasting their time on this instead of catching (criminals)," he wrote.


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2 min read

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Source: AAP


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