Police reassure public on gangs
Albany residents have been assured by the chief of WA Police’s Gang Crime Squad that it is unlikely the Rock Machine outlaw motorcycle gang will establish roots in the region.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Christmass said 11 search warrants executed in Albany last week, and the issue of summons to three men in their 20s on nine drug-related charges, would go a long way to disrupting any plans the gang had of establishing an Albany chapter.
Gang squad detectives searched 11 local properties last Thursday, uncovering cannabis, methylamphetamine and dexamphetamine, as well as several smoking implements.
Sen. Sgt Christmass confirmed three men, believed to be Rock Machine associates, would appear in Albany Magistrate’s Court at a later date to face charges arising from the warrants.
He said reports of an increased motorcycle gang presence in Albany last Friday was likely to be gang members coming from Perth to see the “fallout” of Thursday’s police operation.
“There are no established (Rock Machine) members down there and hopefully after our visit there won’t be,” he said. And Sen. Sgt Christmass said Albany could expect more visits from the Gang Crime Squad if any further reports of bikie activity arose.
“At this stage yes, if it comes up again and we get information we’ll be coming back again until such time as we stamp (it) out.”
Albany officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Peter McLean said police were aware of gang activity on a local level.
“Let’s face facts, they’ll get the same attention everywhere else in the State,” he said. “We’ll certainly treat them like every other organisation of that type.”
Sen. Sgt Christmass urged residents to report any information regarding gang activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
josh.nyman@albanyadvertiser.com
