The NSW Police Force has dismissed claims of a bikie migration into NSW as a
myth unsupported by evidence.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Geoff McKechnie says aerial material supplied to
Queensland media is evidence of the close scrutiny all police forces pay to
bikie groups but nothing more.
“We are focused on the criminal activities of bikies. They are criminal
groups involved in the illicit drug trade and other illegal activity and
they are the subject of joint intelligence gathering by police agencies.
“No question, there are bikie chapters in northern NSW. But they were there
well before legislative change in Queensland and they are heavily targeted.
“Importantly, there’s no evidence their numbers are growing through any
influx from Queensland. That’s a myth.
“We have been in the business of sorting out bikies for many years now.
“Strike Force Raptor is Australia’s first standing strike force specifically
targeting bikies.
“In the past four years, it has laid more than 5,000 charges, arrested 2,300
people, seized more than 600 weapons, nearly $4 million in cash as well as a
significant quantity of drugs.
Acting Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said the Rebels chapter in Ballina is
hardly new and it has been heavily targeted by NSW Police.
“The same applies to the Mongols and Odin’s Warriors. They are small
chapters whose ranks have not grown.
“There are lots of rumours, but police don’t rely on rumours – we rely on
evidence and there is no evidence that bikie numbers in the north of this
state are growing.
Strike Force Raptor has targeted a raft of bikie premises and clubhouses in
the state’s north coast. In late October Raptor targeted 33 premises alone.
“It can hardly be said NSW Police are lacking traction when it comes to
tackling bikie related crime” Mr McKecknie said.