Top cop warns ‘cowardly’ bikie gangs operating in Geelong and other regions following raids

Specialist detectives have arrested another member of a feared outlaw bikie chapter operating in regional Victoria, following a raid on a Geelong property last month.

Police have raided a Coffin Cheaters Motorcycle gang club house in Braeside. It follows the arrest of a Geelong man as part of the same investigation. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Specialist detectives have arrested another member of a feared outlaw bikie chapter operating in regional Victoria, following a raid on a Geelong property last month.

Members from the Echo Taskforce, Special Operations Group, Dog Squad and VIPER Taskforce swooped on four Coffin Cheater clubhouses on Thursday in Morwell, Warragul, Braeside and Dandenong, seizing drugs and weapons.

A Geelong man was arrested last month as part of the same investigation following a series of bloody incidents connected to the bikie gang.

The 31-year-old from Armstrong Creek and a 27-year-old from Cairnlea were charged with threats and assault related offences.

Detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested a patched member of the Coffin Cheaters yesterday (OMCG) and seized drugs and weapons following a series of warrants targeting the bikie gang, including Geelong. PICTURE: VICTORIA POLICE

Detective Inspector Mick Daly said the arrests sent a warning to outlaw gangs operating in areas like Geelong who “think their distance from the city affords them anonymity or impunity”.

“You are sadly mistaken,” he said.

It’s believed the arrests are in connection to a series of violent incidents committed across the western suburbs of Melbourne in October.

A patched member of the gang was arrested in Dandenong yesterday.

Police claim a man was stabbed in the stomach and another was bashed with a pool cue, with two people hospitalised following incidents between September 27 and October 2.

It’s believed they were injured in an alleged affray in Altona North.

“This kind of unacceptable violent behaviour from OMCGs is cowardly and it will not be tolerated. We will not allow our communities to be intimidated by these people,” Detective Inspector Daly said.

“If you are involved in organised criminal activity of any nature, rest assured, you will be held to account no matter where you are. It is as simple as that.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Top cop warns ‘cowardly’ bikie gangs operating in Geelong and other regions following raids