Police to watch outlaw motorcycle gangs closely as they arrive in Tasmania for their national runs

TASMANIA Police says it is ready for an influx of outlaw motorcycle gang members as two clubs prepare to come to the State for their national runs. From Friday, about 350 members of the Rebels OMCG will be in Tasmania for a four-day ride, just days after Rebels boss Aaron “AJ” Graham was kicked out of Australia.

MORE: AJ DEPORTED FROM THE COUNTRY (link is external)

The bikers will arrive on the Bass Strait ferry into Devonport and travel to Hobart via the East Coast.

About 350 Rebels bikie members will arrive in Tasmania from Friday.

Then from November 19-26, 300 Bandidos members will arrive in Devonport before heading to Port Arthur for two nights. While the State usually embraces visitors to the State, Tasmania Police says the clubs are organised crime gangs and are not welcome here.
“We have been liaising with the clubs to ensure their members understand that they will be closely monitored and that criminal and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our state,” Assistant Police Commissioner Glenn Frame said.
“The members are on notice in our jurisdiction. We will not tolerate criminal activity, anti-social or intimidating behaviour or breaches of our traffic laws.”

The Rebels have about 80 members in Tasmania with clubhouses in North Hobart, Sorell, Kingston, Devonport and Mornington
.
Chapters in New Norfolk and Smithton have closed.
The Bandidos have established a “prospect chapter” in Devonport with about six known members.

Two men that police claim are the heads of that chapter fronted court in Devonport last year charged with drug, assault and stolen property offences.

Police said members and associates of both clubs had been charged with significant offences, including drug trafficking and firearm crimes, in recent years.
“Tasmania Police is examining options to further disrupt their activities by creating a hostile environment. That may include making recommendations for legislation to prevent criminal gang members from associating thus limiting the ability of serious criminals to plan and commit crime together,” Mr Frame said.

Tasmania Police has assured local communities that a strong police presence will monitor the bikers’ activities. Licence checks and targeted drug and alcohol testing will be conducted along with operations to minimise the disruption to motorists and pedestrians as large numbers of motorcycles travel together through towns and cities.

Extra police officers have been rostered and other enforcement agencies, such as specialist outlaw gang officers, will provide back up.
“The Rebels and Bandidos are organised crime gangs and will be under very close police scrutiny while in Tasmania,” Mr Frame said


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