Police ramp up war on criminal bikie presence in Toowoomba

POLICE say they will relentlessly pursue criminal motorcycle gangs on the Darling Downs.

They have the full backing of the State Government, with Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts saying the days of gangs "living above the law" were over.

Detective Acting Inspector Paul McCusker said police knew who the criminals were and would implement tough new anti-bikie laws to their full extent.

"Darling Downs Police (know) of the difference between motor cycle enthusiasts and criminal motorcycle gang members and associates," he said.

"In fact the community can be absolutely confident in the fact that we know who they are, where they live and have regularly undertaken investigations into their criminal activity over the years to ensure no firm foothold has been established in this district."

Bandidos and Life and Death Motorcycle Club members will come under close scrutiny in the coming weeks.

"I can say that a number of criminals from these gangs have been successfully prosecuted and have been sent to jail," Det. Inps. McCusker said.

"This includes Bandidos and Life and Death members and associates on drugs charges, breaches of bail, assault, supplying weapons and public nuisance offences.

"Currently, there are a number of serious charges against criminal gang members from the Bandidos and Life and Death members and associates currently before the courts.

"These alleged offences include home invasion, assault, drug trafficking, possession of weapons and public nuisance."

Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts has returned from an historic week of parliament in which the new Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Bill was introduced.

He has stood behind Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie's tough stance against criminal bikie gangs.

"We've drawn a line in the sand," he said.

"It is absolutely time to get tough on members and associates of criminal gangs.

"Innocent Queenslanders should not be getting caught in the crossfire between rival gangs, as we saw in Broadbeach.

"I don't want them in my town."

Det. Insp. McCusker said the police force's mission was to dismantle all criminal motorcycle gangs.

"This mission, utilising the new legislation, will be relentlessly, professionally and lawfully undertaken," he said.