Ilya Gridneff
: smh.com.au
Australia - ORGANISED crime police have kicked off the year with
a clear goal: to halt the continued expansion of the state's bikie gangs from
the bottom up.
Police intend to target the unofficial junior members of the clubs, known as
nominees or prospects and their associates.
The move comes as police admit despite their best efforts to dismantle outlaw motorcycle gangs, the Comanchero and Rebels are increasing in numbers, especially in the junior ranks.
The Commander of the Gangs Squad, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, said their strategy will focus on the young men who are on the cusp of joining to deter them before they become too entrenched in club business. Advertisement
Superintendent Katsogiannis said Strike Force Raptor, set up in 2009 as a high-impact operation focusing on outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminal enterprise, would be "harassing new recruits".
"To anyone considering joining up, know that the Raptor Squad are going to be delving into every facet of your life," he said.
The move comes as police admit despite their best efforts to dismantle outlaw motorcycle gangs, the Comanchero and Rebels are increasing in numbers, especially in the junior ranks.
The Commander of the Gangs Squad, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, said their strategy will focus on the young men who are on the cusp of joining to deter them before they become too entrenched in club business. Advertisement
Superintendent Katsogiannis said Strike Force Raptor, set up in 2009 as a high-impact operation focusing on outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminal enterprise, would be "harassing new recruits".
"To anyone considering joining up, know that the Raptor Squad are going to be delving into every facet of your life," he said.
