BIKIES COP A KNOCK

Police doorknock Rebels ‘outlaws’ across nation

GANG-BUSTING police are attempting to doorknock every known member of the Rebels bikie club across the Gold Coast.

Sources have told the Bulletin the operation has a number of objectives, including gathering intelligence on members, checking in on known addresses of bikie haunts, checking to see if members are willing to disassociate from the club and most importantly, reminding members that police are watching them.

The operation is part of a nationwide blitz and follows months of disquiet.

THE Rebels bikie club has been targeted by gang-busting police in a nationwide intelligence-building operation.

Police across the country teamed up with Taskforce Maxima and the Major and Organised Crime Squad are knocking on the door of every known member of the Rebels in Australia.

Sources said the operation had a number of objectives, including gathering intelligence on members, checking in on known addresses of bikie haunts, inquiring if members were willing to disassociate from the club and most importantly, reminding members that police were watching them.

The action follows months of disquiet among the country’s largest bikie gang, including a shooting at the Logan Hyperdome, where seven members of the Logan Rebels Chapter were arrested.

The Logan shooting was quickly followed by a revenge attack, thought to be committed by a Bandidos member.

Police sources said the action conducted yesterday was a reminder to “outlaws” that they were being watched and police would not tolerate their criminal behaviour.

“It’s about identifying any of them who may be suspects or wanted by police, confirming where they live and building intelligence on each of them, because it won’t be long before they misbehave again,” a source said.

“It’s also about getting information on who is still in the club … memberships go up and down.

“I think the days are gone of when you join the club and stay in there for decades. A lot of them won’t stay in the club forever, but they also change clubs.

“It’s about applying constant pressure.

“If you want to be part of a club, you have to expect an increased presence and attention of police.”

It is understood police also asked each member if they wanted to disassociate from the club and encouraged them to sign paperwork saying as much.