HELLS ANGELS TARGET COAST

VICTORIA Police is refusing to disclose if Hells Angels bikies are looking to set up a chapter on the Surf Coast with reports up to 60 members are bound for Lorne.

The upcoming ride, scheduled for St Patrick’s Day weekend in a fortnight’s time, is understood to include a stay in the coastal town as the bikie club looks to expand it’s Victorian network.

It was reported yesterday that police sources at this stage believe the ride is just a “gathering” and not the motorcycle gang’s AGM. However, those sources would not rule out the possibility it was an AGM or an important meeting.

Victoria Police spokesman Acting Sergeant Alistair Parsons said the force was aware that a number of Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang members were on the move in Victoria.

“Local police and Taskforce Echo members, along with SA, TAS, ACT, NSW police and AFP (National Anti-Gangs Squad and Canberra) will closely monitor the ride and will take swift action to detect and disrupt any OMCG members who commit crimes, road safety or public order offences,” he said. “Victoria Police will continue to work with other agencies as part of a national approach to OMCG enforcement.”

It is understood that the group has organised to stay at The Grand Pacific hotel, with function facilities that can allow for events and gatherings of up to 200 people.

The Pub at the Pier Group (which oversees the Grand Pacific) general manager Chris Shine said the hotel could not disclose any information about private bookings.

“I cannot confirm or deny who is coming to the Grand Pacific for any reason, no matter if it was for a wedding or a function,” he said.

“What I can say is in all my experience in running large hospitality events, Victoria Police have never come to me and told me that I would need to cancel an event.”