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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Canada - Red Devils MC - Bikers threaten to charge cop with trespassing..

OFF THE WIRE
ERICA BAJER
 chathamdailynews.ca
The owners of the Red Devils Motorcycle Club aren't happy with scrutiny from the Chatham-Kent Police Service's biker enforcement officer.
They notified police that if Const. Yancy Eddie is spotted in or around the clubhouse premises at 27 Degge St. in Chatham, they want him charged with trespassing.
Lawyer Greg Elliott sent a letter to police about the trespassing issue on behalf of the property, owned by Brian Bondy and Bill Hunt.
"They are just getting a little tired of the harassment," he said. "It's just a constant sort of thing."
Sgt. Jeff Schamahorn, head of the intelligence unit, said the Red Devils Motorcycle Club is considered an outlaw motorcycle gang by police.
"There's a lot of surveillance done," he said. "There's a difference between harassing someone and targeting them."
Elliott said Eddie knocks on the door at all hours of the day and night, asking to speak with people inside.
Schamahorn said the letter actually put a smile on his face.
"This officer is obviously doing his job," he said. "We would be neglecting our duty by not paying special attention."
He said the letter was a sort of red flag for police.
"This tells me that obviously we need an increase in presence there," he said.
Elliott said his clients don't warrant extra police attention.
"These guys aren't criminals," he said, adding he's never seen evidence that the club is involved in outlaw biker activity such as drug trafficking, gun running or prostitution.
"Sometimes it's a home, sometimes it's a clubhouse," Elliott said of the Chatham property. "We're talking about a bunch of guys sitting around and having a few beers."
A street-style sign outside the house says "Red Devils Motorcycle Club Chatham" and there are a number of "private property" and "no trespassing" signs around the residence.
Schamahorn said the letter from Elliott to Eddie states "you are no longer welcome in or around the premises located at 27 Degge Street. If you are seen in or around this premises, you will be considered a trespasser and the police will be contacted to arrest and charge you with trespassing."
Schamahorn said the letter won't change how officers conduct their business.
He noted police are exempt from the Trespass to Property Act while they are in the execution of their duties.
There are two Red Devil clubs in Ontario — in Chatham and Hamilton.
They are the oldest motorcycle gang in Canada having started around 1940.
According to published reports, the Chatham chapter has nine full-patch members and two hangers-on members.
Schamahorn said biker enforcement is one of the police service's top three priorities, along with property crime and road safety.
ebajer@chathamdailynews.ca