Nomads bikies arrested under new 'Anti-Consorting' law

The new legislation passed on April 9 was specifically designed to target bikies and prevent them from “habitually consorting’’ with each other.

Both were arrested last night after being warned repeatedly against associating with each other.

The first warning was issued against the two bikies on the morning of April 20 at Merrlyands.

Police say further warnings were issued during a vehicle stop at Bella Vista on May 1  and at a central city coffee shop the next day.

About 6.30pm yesterday police went to an address in Durawi Street, Pemulway, where two men previously warned for consorting were again found to be together.
 

The men, aged 30 and 31, were both issued with a future court attendance notice for the offence of habitually consorting with convicted offenders after warning.

They have been ordered to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 27 June 2012.

The new legislation is being used by State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad, and in particular by Strike Force Raptor and Strike Force Kinnarra investigators, as a proactive strategy in combating organised crime.

Strike Force Kinnarra was established by State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad on  April 17 to investigate shootings at five homes and businesses at Merrylands, Baulkham Hills, Granville and Northmead in the early hours of that morning.

Also under investigation are two shootings at Rouse Hill and Bella Vista on April 20 and a shooting at a unit block in Merrylands three days later.

Thirteen people are now before the courts as a result of Strike Force Kinnarra operations.

Strike Force Raptor was established by State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad in 2009 and is a proactive and high-impact operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminals.