Outlaws leave colours at home but not knives during memorial run in northern Tasmania

One of the gangs affected by new laws banning bikies from wearing insignia kept their trademark colours out of sight, but police were still kept busy during a ride in northern Tasmania.

THE Outlaws have obeyed a new rule and kept their trademark colours out of sight in their first big ride since laws banning bikies from wearing insignia came into effect.

There were no breaches of the new legislation but three knives were seized and several fines issued for traffic offences during the memorial run in northern Tasmania on Saturday.

Up to 100 Outlaws motorcycle gang members were expected to travel to the state for the ride.

Three weapons were seized and a number of outlaw motor cycle gang members were issued with infringement notices. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

Tasmania Police rostered on a significant number of additional officers to assist with the operation and were supported by officers from interstate, including the Australian Federal Police’s National Anti-Gangs Squad.

OPINION: BIKIES ARE NOT SINGLED OUT BY NEW LEGISLATION

Northern District Commander Brett Smith said police seized three weapons, conducted 18 oral fluid tests and detected two helmet offences and two unregistered motorbikes.

He said a 37-year-old Outlaws member would also be charged in relation to an alleged hooning incident involving a vehicle outside the Outlaws clubhouse in Thomas St, East Devonport, about 6pm on Saturday.

“Our community can be assured there will continue to be a strong police presence actively monitoring the activities of outlaw motorcycle gang members while they are here,” Mr Smith said.

“This will include vehicle checks, targeted drug and alcohol testing, monitoring for anti-social and criminal behaviour, and traffic operations.”

The insignia legislation came into force on Thursday and affects five identified outlaw motorcycle gangs: Bandidos, Outlaws, Devils Henchman, Black Uhlans and Rebels.

There were no breaches of the new legislation which bans five identified outlaw motorcycle gangs from wearing insignia in public.

Those who break the new law will be slapped with a fine of an amount not yet disclosed and the fine will be increased for repeat offenders.

POLICE SERVE ANTI-CONSORTING NOTICES TO BIKIES

Mr Smith said there was a “bucket load” of research and evidence to suggest that gangs wearing colours, particularly in groups, created apprehension in the community.

“These are criminal gangs and their colours are designed to show affiliation with this criminality and intimidate others,” he said.

“The new laws don’t affect other motorcycle clubs.”