AUSTRALIA - Coast cops put on show of force(+video)

OFF THE WIRE
Robyn Wuth and Tanya Westthorp
goldcoast.com.au

QUEENSLAND'S most elite police, including a SWAT team with armoured personnel carrier, have rolled into town to face the Hells Angels bikie gang.
Hundreds of Hells Angels are on the Coast for their national run and plan to stay for the weekend in the heart of enemy territory -- Finks-held Surfers Paradise.
Police have responded with an extraordinary show of force, which has drawn critiscism from traders including council candidate Todd Downie.
Dozens of officers in up to 20 marked and unmarked police cars followed the bikies on their way from Browns plains, north of the Coast, down to Byron Bay and then back to Surfers Paradise.
The ride has also been shadowed by officers from police Task Force Hydra, established in 2006 to fight outlaw motorcycle gangs in Queensland.
A command post was set up at MacIntosh Island and will be backed up by elite SERT officers.
Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent David Hutchinson says extra precautions have been taken to keep the heart of the tourist strip safe over the weekend.
Police from Taskforce Hydra and two senior liquor licensing inspectors went to Charlies Restaurant in Surfers Paradise last night after Hell's Angels arrived at the restaurant for a meal.
Owner Todd Downie said his staff were told they were not allowed to serve the Hell's Angels because they were banned from Surfers Paradise and were wearing colours.
Officers also said the restaurant should have put on extra security due to the gang's arrival.

"I think it is ridiculous our staff were told it was up to them to tell the bikies to leave," he said.

"I have never heard of any legislation where the Hell's Angels are banned from Surfers Paradise or that we can't serve them while they are wearing colours.
"I don't see why it's my staff's job to move them along, that should be the job of police."
The Angels yesterday checked into the four-star Mantra Sun City Resort in Surfers Paradise.
They have vowed they are only there to party and some even joked that rivals the Finks were welcome to join in the fun.
"If they come out from under their beds," said one member.
Hell Angels members spoke exclusively to the Bulletin yesterday and said they were not here to cause trouble.
"It's just our national run. We're here to relax and have fun," one said.
The bikies, who set out from a heavily fortified clubhouse at Browns Plains in Brisbane, switched their route, diverting around the Gold Coast into NSW to meet up with southern chapters.
The convoy circled north through Byron Bay and Bangalow, crossing the border into Queensland at Tweed Heads.
Swarms of police lined the top of Sexton Hill at Banora Point waiting for the Hells Angels to arrive.
The heavy police presence drew curious onlookers, with residents and passing school students milling around on the side of the highway waiting for the bikies to arrive.
Members rode in small groups, making their way along the M1 to Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.
The first groups posted lookouts on each corner of Ocean Avenue to direct members to the hotel.
Det Supt Hutchinson said he didn't want to tell people where to go over the weekend, but the arrival of so many Hells Angels was a concern.
"Obviously people should be conscious of their security and safety the whole time," he said.
"But there will be a significant police presence specifically to ensure that the public do remain safe."
While the Hells Angels don't have a clubhouse on the Gold Coast, Task Force Hydra has been keeping a close watch on the activities of members there.
It's understood the Angels have been eyeing the lucrative Glitter Strip for some time, with the Finks territory vulnerable to takeover.
A number of Hells Angels members actually live on the Gold Coast and there has been an internal push for the gang to seize territory.
Police warn that move could be disastrous.
"You only have to look at the violence that erupted at the Ballroom Blitz to see the potential if the Hells move into town," said police.
"It would be a red rag to a bull.
"Having them stay in the heart of the Finks territory is bad enough, but to have a permanent base here?
"That would not go down well. The Finks would be forced to respond or lose respect."
Your Say
"What a load of crap! Are the cops going to chase the Harleys around the streets in their jazzed-up hummer? It's like two recruitment drives: one for the Hells Angels and one for the cops, and we all know who's going to win that one."
Knucklepit.com

Pictures: Hells Angels run, March 2012

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