Sixth outlaw motorcycle gang banned from wearing insignia in Tasmania
Local News
A sixth outlaw motorcycle gang, the Nomads, has
been banned from the wearing of insignia in
public.
The Nomads join the Bandidos, Outlaws, Devils Henchmen, Black Uhlans and the Rebels in the ban which came into force in November 2019.
Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Jo
Stolp said from Wednesday the Nomads were
identified as a prescribed organisation under
the legislation.
"These are criminal gangs and their colours are
designed to show affiliation with this
criminality and intimidate others," Acting
Assistant Commissioner Stolp said.
"The laws don't affect any other motorcycle
clubs."
Acting Assistant Commissioner Stolp said the
Nomads had recently sought to establish a
presence in Tasmania.
"Through our work as part of the National Anti
Gang Squad we know they have national links to
serious and organised crime," she said.
"This step will disrupt their moves to establish
in our state.
"The banning of colours is one of a number of
tools that we have available to tackle criminal
groups including outlaw motorcycle gangs.
"Since the legislation was introduced there have
been no national runs by any outlaw motorcycle
gangs in Tasmania."
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency
Management Mark Shelton said the ban sent a
clear message crime gangs were not welcome in
Tasmania.
"As the community and economy follow the pathway
to recovery from COVID-19 restrictions, the last
thing we need is organised crime ripping money
out of the pockets of vulnerable people," Mr
Shelton said.
"The Tasmanian government therefore makes no
apologies for being tough on criminals and will
continue delivering our strong plan to keep
Tasmania safer from organised crime."
Acting Assistant Commissioner Stolp said
Tasmania Police intelligence linked Tasmanian
outlaw motorcycle gangs to the manufacture and
distribution of illicit drugs, firearms offences
and the use and threats of violence to protect
their way of life.
"Just earlier this month, two members of the
Outlaws outlaw motorcycle gang were charged with
firearms and drug trafficking offences," she
said.
"We continue to target outlaw motorcycle gang
members in terms of criminal activity,
anti-social or intimidating behaviour, or
breaches of our laws."