Bikies and convicted criminals party and shop together as anti-consorting laws go unused

These were the tough anti-gang laws which were hailed as a game-changer to stop gangs in their tracks. But the orders which ban bikies and criminals from hanging out and being friends online have gone unused.

Former Richmond footballer Jake King and Toby Mitchell.

Tough new anti-gang laws that ban bikies and criminals from hanging out and being friends online have gone unused by Victoria Police.

The new anti-association orders were hailed as a game changer that would “stop bikie gangs in their tracks” when they were unveiled by the Andrews Government in 2015.

However, almost four years later the Herald Sun can reveal not a single notice has been handed out despite police considering several targets.

The laws will now be reviewed to determine whether they have been effective in the fight against organised crime.

It was hoped former Bandidos sergeant-at-arms Toby Mitchell, who recently joined the Mongols, would be among the convicted criminals targeted. However, he remains unaffected.

Ex-Tiger Jake King with Toby Mitchell.

Mitchell is particularly prominent online, posting photos of his daily life on Instagram, including snaps of himself and former Richmond footballer Jake King, who has also had run-ins with the law.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Webster said the State Anti-Gangs Division had considered its use on several people but “at this time, Victoria Police has no recorded offences under the unlawful associations legislation”.

“Victoria Police will continue to liaise with government to ensure maximum use and effectiveness of all relevant legislative powers,” she said.

Previously, legal experts had criticised the wording of the law and warned it was unlikely to catch any criminals in Victoria.

The lack of action in the anti-consorting space is in stark contrast to NSW, where 8556 warnings were issued to 2412 people in the four years after similar legislation was introduced.

Government spokeswoman Stephanie Jones defended the Victorian law.

Jake King and Toby Mitchell.

MORE NEWS: BABY FLU CASES SKYROCKET IN VICTORIA

YEARS OF PAIN AS METRO WORK SHUTS FLINDERS ST

‘TIME IS TICKING’: SEARCH INTENSIFIES FOR MELBOURNE MAN

“The Andrews Labor Government is giving Victoria Police the powers, tools and resources they need to keep the community safe,” she said.

But opposition police spokesman David Southwick questioned the loopholes within the legislation and why action had not yet been taken.

“By dragging his heels on fixing these laws, Daniel Andrews is turning Victoria into a honey-pot for outlaw bikie gangs,” Mr Southwick said.

“Under the Andrews Labor government, police continue to lack the tools they need to tackle organised crime and keep our community safe.”

In a failed bid to catch Apex and Menace To Society gang members, the government extended the laws last year to include convicted juvenile criminals as young as 14.

These extended powers have also not been used and will be considered as part of the review this year.

[e-mail]

Originally published as Bikies and convicted criminals party and shop together as anti-consorting laws go unused