Rebels bikies head to Canberra for annual meeting
Updated
Hundreds of Rebels motorcycle gang members are expected to convene in Canberra this weekend for their annual meeting, prompting ACT police to set up traffic operations.
Officers were conducting traffic stops targeting alleged bikies as they arrived in Canberra.
During an ACT Magistrate's Court hearing on Friday, a member of a gangs taskforce raised concerns an increasing number of bikies were coming to Canberra for such events.
The court heard the national capital had become a destination for some groups after New South Wales and Queensland introduced stronger laws against bikie club members.
Police told the court more than 600 Rebels members were expected to come to Canberra for the group's annual meeting.
The matters were raised after police alleged a violent attack in Belconnen earlier this month was the result of a fight between rival bikie gang members.
Police also said while there had previously been large gatherings of bikies in Canberra without incident, contingency plans were in place.