Gang crackdown: Dob in a bikie

WA Police are urging people to dob in friends and relatives suspected of being involved in outlaw motorcycle gangs as part of a crackdown on organised crime.

The phone in a bikie campaign, launched today, is in response to what police believe is an increasing amount of participation in outlaw motorcycle gangs in WA.

Officers investigating criminal bikies gangs have executed 76 search warrants and seized 19 rifles, 17 handguns, 6kg of methyl amphetamine, 709kg of cannabis and 631 grams of MDMA so far this year.

Military guns including an AK-47 rifle, a club embedded with blades, a crossbow and a taser disguised as a mobile phone are among the list of weapons seized.

Assistant Commissioner Craig Ward said there were nine active criminal bikie gangs in the State, including more than 440 patched members.

He said the gangs were behind a big proportion of methyl amphetamine trafficking and many were heading to WA on the back of its reputation as a rich State.

“We expect, given the wealth in WA, it’s an attractive prospect for them,” he said.

“These are not a bunch of guys who like to ride their bikes… these gangs are organised crime networks.”

Police Minister Liza Harvey urged people to dob in their neighbours or family members suspected of being involved in bikie gangs.

She said the gangs had been linked to extortion rackets and prostitution and she had become frustrated at a perception that the gangs were harmless.

“The way they’re linked to each other is their love of crime and ability to hold the community to ransom,” she said.

Police will hold a phone-in day on May 20 which they hope will lead to anonymous tip-offs and new information on bikie gangs.

A similar appeal five years ago led to the discovery of a new bikie gang and the prosecution of 69 gang members, more than 189 charges and the seizure of drugs worth almost $11 million.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.