NT Police on alert as Hells Angels bikies make national run through the Territory
HELL ON THE HIGHWAY: Police are on high alert as bikies descend on the Top End. See the pictures here.
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Police are on high alert as the Hells Angels roll into the Top End.
NT Police have confirmed the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang will be making their annual national run in Darwin on Saturday.
Organised Crime, Intelligence and Capability Commander Matt Hollamby said officers were closely watching the movements of the notorious bikie gang.
“Police are aware of the planned visit to the Top End by the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang,” Commander Hollamby said.
“NT Police are committing significant resources to monitor their movements and respond to any incident that may occur.
“Our priority will be directed to preventing crime and ensuring community safety during their visit.”
The bikies, including interstate members, are expected to convene at the Hells Angels club house in Girraween.
On Saturday police pulled over hundreds of vehicles and bikes heading from the Girraween club house, about 35km southeast of Darwin.
It is understood officers were also photographing all members of the national run.
Backed by a heavy police presence, officers were conducting breath tests and registration checks near Donington Pl.
Bikies and cars were lining for a few hundred metres as police slowly released vehicles from the roadside check.
The bikies were released in smaller groups, rather than allowing the Angels to travel en mass up the highway to Darwin.
Police road blocks have also been in place near Noonamah since Thursday.
The Territory has banned bikie members from wearing their colours, or anything that identifies their club in licenced premises.
Staff at licensed venues are required to ask bikies to remove any clothing or items that identify their club, and if that is refused ask the gang member to leave.
Hells Angels are one of 11 bikie gangs known be seen in the Territory, including the Rebels, Finks, Gypsy Jokers, and Outlaws.
The Hells Angels are the Top End’s longest standing bikie gang, with others unable to maintain a permanent hold in the Territory.
The beginnings of the Hells Angels’ Top End chapter come from the Darwin based motorcycle club known as the Blonks.
The Blonks faced a hostile takeover from rival gang the Rebels in the 1980s and turned to the Hells Angels for help to prevent the takeover.
In exchange, the Darwin gang became a chapter of the notorious Angels.
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