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Queensland Police Rapid Action and Patrols group turning up unannounced to breath test bikies during “home visits”

 
A police search at Burleigh Heads. Picture: Luke Marsden.

A police search at Burleigh Heads. Picture: Luke Marsden.

GOLD COAST bikie gang members are being targeted at night at their own homes – even in clubs and pubs – as police enforce strict parole conditions banning them from consuming alcohol.

Officers from the Rapid Action and Patrols (RAP) group are turning up unannounced to breath test bikies during regular “home visits”.

The Sunday Mail was invited along to an operation on Friday night where a 31 year-old-Bandido was tested and given the all-clear. But others haven’t been so lucky with three of the 26 criminal motorcycle gang members tested so far returning positive results – and returning to custody.

“It’s about getting on the front foot,” said RAP commander, Superintendent Jim Keogh. “In the past, they obviously thought no one would be coming around.

“But this is about enforcing conditions imposed on them while they are on parole and while it may seem harsh going to their homes, the alternative is that they stay in jail.”

Supt Keogh said officers had tracked down bikies on licensed premises as part of the joint crackdown with the Corrective Services department.

Bikie breath tests on the Gold Coast. Picture: Annette Dew

Bikie breath tests on the Gold Coast. Picture: Annette Dew

“Part of their parole conditions could be that they have to steer clear of pubs and clubs so we do specific patrols looking for these people,’’ he said. “Obviously they’re surprised when we turn up, and on one occasion a bikie tested 0.17, which is quite a drink for someone who isn’t supposed to have a drink.’’

Supt Keogh said the blitz extended to bikies reporting to the Southport or Burleigh Heads parole offices where some gang members are forced to submit urine samples, tested for drugs and alcohol, and searched outside in a public show of force.

Of the 32 bikies tested during six parole office operations, 80 per cent returned positive results to steroids, or other illicit drugs.

“This is a persistent, consistent campaign,” said Supt Keogh.

“It is not a one-off attack, but a long term strategy.”

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