Rebel den in Broome
One of the country's biggest outlaw motorcycle gangs is believed to be establishing a chapter in Broome.
The Rebels are understood to have moved into a property behind a high barbed-wire fence that has been blacked-out, just minutes from Broome's famous Cable Beach and the Chinatown shopping precinct.
It is not known if a Sergeant at Arms or committee has been appointed.
A no-admittance sign behind thick wire meshing on the gate says "support your local Rebels MC Australia" and warns that the property is being monitored by CCTV.
The move has already caught the attention of senior Shire of Broome managers and police.
The council said the fence did not meet planning regulations and that barbed wire was banned from residential areas.
Council director development services Andre Schonfeldt said any front fence must be visually permeable above 1.2m from ground level and that barbed wire was not allowed to be used in fencing in an area with residential zoning.
Mr Schonfeldt said staff would work with the landowner to resolve the matter.
Shire president Graeme Campbell said the council did not condone any buildings associated with what could be deemed as illegal activities.
"Our responsibilities lie in building and planning regulations and in some instances, if clubrooms are involved, in the health area," he said.
"It is disappointing to me that it appears a club is being set-up in a residential area that does not conform to the zoning, and that already building renovations or fencing that does not comply has been put in place without approval from the council."
Kimberley district police Superintendent Mick Sutherland said the public could be "confident" police would be "unrelenting" against OMCGs to "make the community safe".
"The community can be confident that WA Police have an ongoing and unrelenting commitment to disrupt and dismantle OMCGs in WA in order to make the community a safe and secure place to live," Supt Sutherland said.
He said police would maintain a "focused, disciplined and dedicated zero-tolerance policing effort regarding OMCGs and their unlawful activities".
"OMCGs are one of the most high-profile manifestations of serious and organised crime networks engaging in the commission of various offences, including but not limited to violent offences and the sale/distribution of illicit drugs such as methamphetamines which have an adverse impact on the WA community," Supt Sutherland said.
He said the Rebels defined themselves as the one per cent of the community not conforming to laws and conventions.
Supt Sutherland said members of the public with information about wishing to report any activity involving OMCG members should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
