Police issuing warnings to outlaw motorcycle gangs isn’t a new concept.
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For years Tasmania Police, alongside its mainland counterparts, have kept a close eye on these gangs and any link to criminal behaviour.
This week a new warning was issued to the Rebels (who arrive in Tasmania today) and Bandidos (who are expected in coming weeks) for their national rides.
The police didn’t mince words.
“The Rebels and Bandidos are organised crime gangs and they will be under very close police scrutiny while in Tasmania,” the statement read.
“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 will be joined by other law enforcement agencies as part of an information collecting exercise. This is not a new plan, with previous national runs involving a collaborative approach by law enforcement agencies.
The impending crackdown by police caused heated debate among The Examiner readers.
Some argued the time and money would be better spent reducing crime in our communities, rather than focusing on people wanting to enjoy a ride around Tasmania.
They argued Rebels and Bandidos members were tourists willing to spend money in our state and should be treated the same as anyone else.
History shows there is a correlation between crime and the two clubs. There is no question about that.
Therefore preventative measures must be put in place to ensure the safety of all concerned.
These gangs should not be confused for other clubs who ride only for the camaraderie and fundraising initiatives – such as Ulysses or most recently the participants in the Long Ride.
There’s a choice for everyone to remove the patches and just be riders. Or wear a patch that is linked to organisations that contribute to the betterment of society.
The police are right to make no apologies for presenting a united front and issuing a warning that anti-social and any criminal behaviour – including traffic violations – will not be tolerated.
That’s what our community expects from our law enforcement agencies.
