The police operation in relation to the Bandidos OMCG National Run has resulted in a number of charges and infringements issued to OMCG members.

The majority of the Bandidos members have now left the state.  Tasmania Police would like to thank their partner enforcement agencies for their assistance over the past week.

“The visit by the 240 OMCG members was largely incident free.  The high visibility policing presence significantly contributed to compliance by the Bandidos members and minimised disruption on the roads and in the community,” said Commander Jonathan Higgins.

Police activity included vehicle checks, targeted drug and alcohol testing, and monitoring for anti-social and criminal behaviour.  There was a major focus on high visibility traffic operations to ensure the large number of motorcycles travelling together caused the least amount of disruption to motorists and pedestrians,” Commander Higgins said.

“However there were two crashes involving motorcycles ridden by Bandidos members.  One rider was treated for potentially serious injuries after he hit a parked car.  The female driver of the car was not hurt however the east bound lane of the Bass Highway closed for almost an hour.”

The riders will be charged with negligent driving.

Other charges/infringements include:

• Positive OFT x 8
• Disqualified Driving (motorcycle) x 2
• Fail to Give Way x 1
• Exceed Speed Limit x 4
• Cross double white lines x 3
• Fail to display registration plate x 1
• Disobey traffic signal (red light) x 2
• PIN for defect x 2
• Defect Notices x 11
• Negligent Driving x 2
• Noise issues x 8

Police also served a total of 14 ATO notices on Bandidos members and NSW Police served 11 consorting notices.

The monitoring operation required significant resources by Tasmania Police, with the assistance of other jurisdictions including the National Anti-Gangs Squad.

“OMCGs are organised criminal gangs and their presence in our state contributes to drug related crime.  In recent years, members and associates of these groups have been charged with significant offences including drug trafficking and firearms crimes.”