Turf war fears as bikie gang ride in Qld

11 Jan 2012, 6:13 pm   -   Source: AAP
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The Gypsy Jokers bikie gang will take to the roads of southeast Queensland for a national gathering that will be closely watched by police.

An infamous bikie gang is expected to take to the roads of southeast Queensland en masse this week, amid fears a turf war will break out if it expands its presence in the state.

Interstate members of the Gypsy Jokers gang are expected to gather at a clubhouse in an industrial area in the north Brisbane suburb of Everton Park over the next few days.

The gang is notorious for its links to the 2001 car bomb murder in Perth of former police officer Don Hancock in retaliation for the death of gang member Billy Grierson.

Members are tipped to take to the roads en masse over the next few days for an organised motorcycle ride, the group's first in Queensland.

Queensland's top police officer issued a public statement on Wednesday saying police are preparing for the national gathering, and senior police told reporters the motorcycle run would be closely monitored.

"We have no particular intelligence to indicate that there are any offences going to occur or that there is any risk to the public at this stage," Detective Chief Superintendent Gayle Hogan of State Crime Operations Command told reporters on Wednesday.

A member of the Gypsy Jokers who did not wish to be named said the motorcycle run was just a get-together and the planned police presence was excessive.

"It's typical overkill as usual," he said, but would not comment on whether the group was planning to expand its presence in Queensland.

The gang is active in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and NSW but has only a very small number of members in Queensland, Det Supt Hogan says.

Amid fears of a turf war as the gang apparently tries to establish a foothold in the state, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said police will act on any associated criminal activity.

"Much of our work in relation to OMCGs (outlaw motor cycle gangs) remains covert and out of the public eye. However, a lack of visibility should not be confused with a lack of activity," he said in a statement.

"We are always concerned and aware of the potential for conflict between OMCGs competing for lucrative illicit activities."

Police have set up a mobile office on a suburban street near the gang's Everton Park base, which they say will help ensure the safety of the community.

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