Firemen join raids on bikies in NSW
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May 14, 2012
POLICE and Fire and Rescue NSW have joined forces to raid premises owned by bikies.
Tattoo parlours and clubhouses owned by outlaw motorcycle gangs were targeted, with police issuing infringement notices.
The raids, late last week, were aimed at nine locations affiliated with the Hells Angels - six tattoo parlours and three other properties.
They were all in the city or inner west. Fire and Rescue NSW found 60 reasons to fine members of the bikie club for "non-compliance" with fire safety laws.
The highest number of breaches found at a single location was 12, and the least four.
Acting Assistant Commissioner and State Crime Command commander Mal Lanyon said it showed how serious police were about targeting bikie gangs.
"We continue to work with law enforcement and other agencies to use a full range of proactive policing strategies to target the illegal activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs and other organised crime groups," Mr Lanyon said.
The state government has introduced a bill to parliament to make it illegal for members of a bikie gang, or their "close associates", to own and operate tattoo parlours.
It is yet to be voted on, but Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts said the proposed legislation showed the government was serious about getting bikies out of the industry.
"When tattoo parlours are no longer controlled by bikies they will not be so closely associated with serious acts of violence, such as shootings and fire-bombings," he said.
