Australasian biker news
Mystery now 'major crime'
June 21, 2005
From:
THE mysterious disappearance of outlaw bikie Steven Williams was last night
declared a major crime.
Major Crime detectives are now working
in conjunction with detectives from Avatar - the police anti-biker task
force - and Holden Hill CIB into the disappearance of Mr Williams from the
Gepps Cross Hotel last Tuesday afternoon.
Police were looking for a possible suspect in the case as speculation
mounted that Mr Williams was the victim of foul play.
Major Crime Detective Superintendent
Peter Woite yesterday said the matter had been declared a major crime.
"We are erring on the side of caution
and we ask Mr Williams to contact us and advise us that he is safe and
well," he said.
Mr Woite said police had received
information from a number of groups but would not give further details.
"We are conducting numerous inquiries
in an attempt to locate his whereabouts," Mr Woite said. "It appears to be
out of character for Mr Williams to be missing for this period of time."
Police also are awaiting results from
forensic tests conducted on Mr Williams' white Ford Falcon found abandoned
in the hotel car park.
Several leads are being followed in
relation to the 38-year-old's disappearance a week ago with foul play
appearing more likely with each passing day.
Threats allegedly made for Mr Williams
not to publish a biography being written in conjunction with Melbourne
criminologist Dr Arthur Veno are thought to be one possible motive. Dr Veno
was not able to be contacted yesterday.
Mr Williams has previously told The
Advertiser the book detailed his life and how he came to be the former boss
of outlaw motorcycle club the Gypsy Jokers. Mr Williams passed in his club
colours last year after being ousted as a leader by members.
Associates speculate that, among other
things, it concerned his inviting scrutiny to the club by publicly speaking
and breaking a strict code of silence and traditional club ways. Mr Williams
continued to speak publicly against police and the State Government in
defence of outlaw motorcycle clubs.
Anyone who has any information
relating to Mr Williams' disappearance is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on
0000 000 000.
Police have reiterated that
information received will be treated in confidence and callers are able to
remain anonymous.
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