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'They'll find you': Why bikies fear quitting gangs
Bikies Inc
Former Australian bikies have revealed the dangers that come with quitting gang life, with many experiencing violence and intimidatory acts after exiting outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Many ex-bikies have told of being beaten, stabbed and stripped of their assets after leaving their gangs. One ex-member revealed he “sleeps with one eye open”.
“
FORMER BIKIE
I cannot sit in a restaurant with my back to anything, I have to sit where I can see everything … I can’t be in my own home without listening for noises, and any bike that goes past I ask if they’re coming for me.
The graphic illustration of post-gang life is exposed in an Australian Institute of Criminology report on the experiences of 39 former Australian members of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs).
But the report authors found not all members had negative experiences when leaving, with a distinction between those who left in good and bad standing.
One explained:
“If you’re a younger member, like 12 months, you’re f***ed. You can’t leave. But if you’re a life member, you can leave whenever you like … I did everything right. If I’d been a young member, they’d have just taken my bike.”
Former bikies said the process of departure was also important, with being direct and honest the best approach. But even then there were still risks.
“
FORMER BIKIE
How’s your relationship with your president? Your vice? Your treasurer? Your brothers? How’s your performance record? All of those factors come into it. You can try and run, but unless you’re lucky mate, they’ll find you.
Common factors for many to leave included a loss of the “brotherhood” and bikie subculture that drew them to the clubs initially, stigma and the impact membership was having on their family.
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Producer: Andrew PivaWords: Andrew Koubaridis
																																								

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