Tasmania Police has developed a comprehensive operational strategy to respond to plans by two Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs to hold National Runs in Tasmania, Tasmania Police say.
The Rebels OMCG are planning a ride over several days from 20-24 October, and the Bandidos have scheduled a ride from 19 – 26 November.
Tasmania Police has been aware of the plans of both OMCGs for several months.
"We have been liaising with the OMCGS 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," said Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame.
"The OMCG members are on notice in our jurisdiction. We will not tolerate criminal activity, anti-social or intimidating behaviour, or breaches of our traffic laws.
These groups are not welcome here. In recent years, members and associates of these groups have been charged with significant offences including drug trafficking and firearms crimes.
"Tasmania Police is examining options to further disrupt their activities by creating a hostile environment for OMCG in Tasmania. That may include making recommendations for legislation to prevent criminal OMCG members from associating – limiting the ability of serious criminals to plan and commit crime together," said Mr Frame.
In the meantime, communities can be assured there will be a strong police presence actively monitoring the activities of OMCG members while they are here.
Members of the Rebels OMCG will arrive in Devonport by air and the Spirit of Tasmania and on Friday the group will ride to Hobart via the East Coast. Police activity will include vehicle checks, targeted drug and alcohol testing, monitoring for anti-social and criminal behaviour and traffic operations.
A major focus will be high visibility traffic operations to ensure the large number of motorcycles travelling together through towns and cities causes the least amount of disruption to motorists and pedestrians.
Tasmania Police has rostered on a significant number of additional officers to assist with this operation. As is the case in other jurisdictions during OMCG National Runs, other enforcement agencies will send OMCG specialist officers, including officers from the National Anti-Gangs Squad, to Tasmania to assist with enforcement and information gathering.
Similar plans are in place for a Bandidos ride in Tasmania in November. This group will arrive in Devonport from 19 November and travel to Port Arthur for two nights.
The Rebels and Bandidos are organised crime gangs and they will be under very close police scrutiny while in Tasmania.
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