|
|
 |
SHOWDOWN: Interstate bikies call urgent summit
By SAM RICHES
15jan04
RIVAL outlaw motorcycle gangs have called an emergency meeting
for today in a bid to stop an imminent Adelaide bikie war.
Interstate members of the Hells Angels and at least two other
gangs have been summoned to Adelaide for today's expected meeting
to discuss ways to "fix" an internal gang row that has
been blamed for a recent outbreak of violence on city streets.
It is understood a factional split within the Hells Angels' ranks
is central to current bikie problems.
Members of rival gang the Finks – who have been feuding with
the Hells Angels after brawls in city nightclubs last week –
and Rebels and Bandidos members will meet senior Hells Angels
bikies at an undisclosed location.
The discussions will focus on breaking up a sub-crew of the Hells
Angels that has been blamed for the increasing violent outbursts
between rival clubs.
In the past two months, there have been several brawls and
confrontations between rival bikie gangs in and around city
nightclubs.
A source told The Advertiser the recent violence related to
prominent Hells Angels members "trying to take over
Adelaide".
It is claimed they are using security companies in "taking
over Adelaide" and have a "south crew" helping
them as several senior members of the club disagreed with these
methods.
He said other outlaw motorcycle gangs had indicated they were
prepared to join forces against the Hells Angels if no solution
was found.
"They're going to find they're fighting four or five groups
though," he said.
"Everyone's had a gutful."
Another source confirmed there would be a meeting today aimed at
"averting" a major incident.
Members of the Hells Angels have travelled from Melbourne and
Sydney for the meeting.
Police would not comment other than to say that resources were in
place to deal with issues involving motorcycle clubs.
Spokesman Inspector Peter Hibbard said police were unable to make
any specific comments about planned meetings or operational
activities.
"We have the Avatar (anti-bikie crime) group as well as
other resources working on issues as they come to hand, but we're
not in a position to comment on operational considerations,"
he said.
"We're always mindful of illegal activity and will take the
appropriate action."
Premier Mike Rann also would not comment on the proposed meeting,
saying he had not heard from police that it was happening.
However, he said he would not let up in his campaign against the
bikies.
"We've already passed legislation to deal with bikie
fortresses," he said.
"The next wave of legislation to deal with bikies will deal
with increased penalties for violent offences committed in
concert with gangs.
"We have also proposed legislation designed to prevent
outlaw bikie gangs being involved in running pubs, clubs or
securtiy firms.
"We are changing the law and giving police the powers and
the extra resources they need to do their job.
"We have seen bizarre public relations campaigns to present
outlaw bikie gangs as being a bunch of nice guys doing charity
work. The reality is they are drug dealers and manufacturers
using violence in order to increase their profits and widen their
territory.
"I'm not letting up and neither is the Government. We're
coming after them by changing the law to make it harder for them."
