Australasian biker news
Police issue warning to bikies
July 12, 2005
POLICE have pledged a no nonsense approach to the annual run of the
Coffin Cheaters motorcycle gang in Darwin.
Hundreds of members of the gang
are expected to converge on Darwin in the next few days for their annual
run to Queensland, which is scheduled to start in Saturday.
"We will monitor the activity of
gang members throughout their run," Northern Territory Police
Superintendent Wayne Harris said.
"We're not looking to spoil their
enjoyment of the run, but we will be ensuring that they don't create a
nuisance for other road users, visitors or residents.
"If they behave they won't be
seeing a great deal of us."
Top End on bikie gang red alert
By Greg McLean
July 12, 2005
From:
ONE of Australia's most notorious bikie gangs is on its way to the
Territory.
More than 100 members of the Coffin
Cheaters are expected to converge on Darwin tomorrow.
It will be the second time in two years that the West Australian gang has
chosen the Top End for its annual recreational "run".
Police and pub owners are on red alert
for the arrival of the bikies.
The bikies will not be allowed to wear
their "colours" on licensed premises.
Advertisement:
Superintendent Wayne Harris said the Coffin Cheaters would be monitored
closely while they were in the Territory. "We requested hoteliers ensure
club members do not wear club colours while on licensed premises to break
down that pack mentality," he said.
"It can be pretty intimidating if 100
bikies walk into the bar in their colours and we want to try and avoid any
intimidation issues."
The Coffin Cheaters will be escorted
out of the Northern Territory when they leave next week. Police will ride
with them until they reach the Queensland border.
"We'll be allowing them room to enjoy
themselves and as long as they behave they won't be seeing a great deal of
us," Supt Harris said.
"If they do play up, we will be
vigilant and act accordingly."
Australian Hoteliers Association NT
executive director Sally Fielke said licensees and police had been working
together on a strategy in the best interests of everyone.
"We've taken a joint approach to help
make it a safe few days," she said.
"We want it to be an enjoyable time
for everyone - including the bikies."
Supt Harris said police were not
anticipating any clashes between the Coffin Cheaters and members of the
Hell's Angels, the only established bikie gang in the Top End.
The Coffin Cheaters were last in the
Territory two years ago when they ended their annual recreational run in
Darwin.
The bikies were tailed by a 70-strong
police contingent and there were no reports of trouble along the way.
Back
HOME
