Two Bandidos Mersey Chapter members arrested over alleged home invasion

Six Bandidos members have been charged with serious offences in the past week as police continue to target the criminal activity of outlaw motorcycle gangs. The latest arrests relate to an alleged home invasion. DETAILS >>

POLICE say they will continue targeting outlaw bikie groups after two gang members were charged following an alleged home invasion.

Tasmania Police yesterday said two Bandidos Mersey Chapter motorcycle gang members — men aged 31 and 35 — were charged with aggravated burglary, assault, demand property with menaces and consorting. The 35-year-old was also charged with drug offences.

MORE POLICE AND COURTS:

• Cops plea for witnesses to hung wallaby
• How respected pilot’s death may have been avoided
• Man sentenced over ‘cowardly’ seagull torture

The charges are in relation to a Devonport incident on Sunday, where the pair allegedly entered a house and assaulted the occupant.

The two men also demanded a sum of money, police allege.

Detective Acting Inspector Martin Parker said police yesterday found a small quantity of illicit drugs during a search in Devonport.

“Intelligence held by Tasmania Police links Tasmanian outlaw motorcycle gangs to the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs, firearms offences, and the use of threats of violence to protect their way of life,” he said.

It comes after police arrested two Bandidos members on Tuesday in relation to a drug trafficking incident on the Spirit of Tasmania.

Two Dover residents were also arrested last week as part of a major police crackdown on the outlaw motorcycle club.

“We will continue to target outlaw motorcycle gang members in terms of criminal activity, anti-social or intimidating behaviour, or breaches of our laws,” Acting Insp Parker said.

Anyone with information about outlaw motorcycle gang crime should contact Police on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.