Comancheros bikie gang raids at Melbourne homes, commercial properties

TWENTY people have been arrested in raids at properties across Melbourne targeting the Comancheros bikie gang over shootings and arson attacks.

• 20 people arrested in raids targeting Comanchero bikie gang

• 25 homes and commercial properties including one in Lyndhurst raided

• Drugs, cash and luxury cars seized

• Echo Taskforce conducting the raids

TWENTY people have been arrested and drugs seized in raids targeting the Comancheros bikie gang over shootings and arson attacks including the Kittens Nightclub firebombing.

Police began raids at 26 homes and commercial properties mostly in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs at 5am.

Police say 20 people have been arrested, and drugs and cash seized.

The raids relate to an operation that began in July last year.

“We believe that they are responsible for 21 non fatal shootings, four arson attacks and serious drug trafficking and firearm related offences,” Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana said.

“Some stem back to firebombs on Kittens Nightclub in the South Melbourne area.

“As a result, it is anticipated that up to 21 individuals will be interviewed and charged with drug trafficking, criminal damage by fire and a number of drive-by shootings causing injury to others.”

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One of the properties raided by police, in Lyndhurst in Melbourne’s southeast. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Police footage of officers raiding one of the homes this morning.

Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said the action showed police and the community would not tolerate the criminal activities of “gangsters in colours”.

One of the properties targeted is in Lyndhurst, 45km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, where officers from the anti-bikie gang Echo Taskforce are seizing vehicles from a home.

A large window at the front of the home was smashed.

The operation is expected to run throughout the day.

A luxury 4WD is towed away. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The smashed front window in Lyndhurst. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Police at the Lyndhurst home. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A late-model Holden is taken away. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A neighbour of the Lyndhurst property, Stephen Van Duynhoven, said that police had attended the property “about three or four times in the past six weeks”.

Mr Van Duynhoven said that he could hear people yelling and that he saw “six maybe seven cars,” he said.

More to come

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— Ryan Tennison (@ryan_tennison) March 13, 2017

Lyndhurst, about 45km southeast of Melbourne CBD. Images: Google Maps

Originally published as Comancheros bikie gang raids at Melbourne homes, commercial properties