It comes after Tasmania Police confirmed the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Club has bought an old plaster warehouse in David Street at East Devonport to convert to a clubhouse. A concerned community member said it’s worrying to have a bikie gang establish a new chapter in a residential area.

East Devonport has been home to an Outlaws Motorcycle Club chapter for years. The Rebels used to be at East Devonport and have a chapter at Spreyton. The Black Uhlans have a presence at Stoney Rise.

Alderman Martin said he was pleased Tasmania Police were monitoring the situation at East Devonport.

Asked if Devonport is becoming a centre for bikie gangs the mayor said “no; we would certainly hope not”. 

“We’ve got no control over people who want to buy or lease buildings in Devonport only in regard to planning approvals etc.”

Alderman Martin said Devonport did not want outlaw bikie clubs dealing in violence or drugs to come here. “We are concerned if that actually happens and certainly we don’t want it in our city or anybody else’s municipality.” 

The Bandidos are believed to be trying to establish a greater presence in Tasmania.

Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Cerritelli said outlaw motorcycle gangs were involved in violence, drugs, firearms and other illegal activities.

The Bandidos Mersey River chapter at East Devonport progressed to a “probationary chapter” after an event with interstate members, including the national president.  Mr Cerritelli said the event resulted in police charging associates with driving offences and drug driving offences.

Police pledged a further crackdown on outlaw motorcycle gangs and to continue to disrupt the activities of bikie gangs.

Liberal MP Adam Brooks said the purchase of a building at East Devonport by the Bandidos had been raised with him by concerned members of the public. “It is essential that Tasmania Police are provided with the right tools to disrupt organised criminal groups to keep the Tasmanian community safe and prevent these groups from becoming entrenched in the State,” Mr Brooks said. He said measures to combat outlaw motorcycle gangs were implemented including establishing the Serious and Organised Crime Division, the Unexplained Wealth Unit and enacting tougher new anti-fortification laws.