OFF THE WIRE
Rebel Motorcycle gang opens HQ in Whangarei
"Violent thugs" with international links have set up in Northland, coming under police scrutiny on a motorcycle run at the weekend.
The Rebels motorcycle gang has moved into a building in Porowini Ave, a commercial area in Whangarei.
In Australia, police say, the gang is involved in serious violence and the manufacture and trafficking of drugs.
During Easter Weekend patched members of the Rebels from New Zealand and Australian chapters held their first motorcycle run from the newly established Whangarei base, with stops at hotels in Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Hikurangi. But on Saturday, police manning checkpoints at both ends of Porowini Ave far outnumbered gang members before they set out on their ride.
When about 25 riders rolled out of the pad for their run they were stopped and checked by about 30 police staff.
It took just under an hour to check all the riders with police photographing each member, their driver's licences and videoing the proceedings.
At least five of the members were stopped from riding and had to wheel their bikes back down the road to the compound after it was discovered they had no licence or were breaching learner's licences. They were forced to follow the ride in a convoy of supporters' vehicles.
During the ride one person was arrested and is facing a charge of dangerous driving after speeding and cutting in front of a police car.
Police officers were called in from Auckland to help with the operation and about 19 officers followed the gang on their ride.
Police had expected about 150 Rebels to attend the Easter Weekend ride.
A sign outside the Porowini Ave compound reads: "For the cause with a cause. Charitable Trust."
The Porowini Ave pad was open to the public yesterday with about 20 motorcycles on display.
A bouncy castle was supplied for children, and money from door takings was apparently donated to Christchurch earthquake victims. Police continued to stop vehicles on the street and keep a close eye on the gang members. Noise control authorities were called about 1pm after a complaint was made about loud music coming from the pad.
Whangarei police area commander Inspector Paul Dimery warned the public not to be fooled into thinking the motorcycle gang was a bunch of nice guys who wanted to help young people.
The gang was trying to give the impression it wanted to help troubled youth but was using the weekend as a recruiting drive.
"They are a bunch of violent thugs that are here for the methamphetamine and cannabis trade and standover opportunities. There is nothing redeeming about them," Mr Dimery said.
"They are an organised criminal gang trying to embed themselves in Whangarei. They are not welcome in Northland or New Zealand and police will continue to target them."
Mr Dimery said police records showed an Auckland chapter of Rebels with 33 members had 1500 convictions among them.
"That's a fair indication of the calibre of the people they are recruiting to the gang."
To take a look at the police check point in Porowini Av click here http://www.youtube.com/embed/FoAJaKgC1bg%22
http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/local/news/rebel-motorcycle-gang-opens-hq-in-whangarei/3949383/