Drug charges, driving offences and noise infringements have followed the Bandidos visit to Tasmania, as a national crime body warns the public to not be fooled into thinking bikies gangs are "harmless".
The Bandidos "national run" through north-west Tasmania last week sparked a large-scale police operation which involved specialists from the National Anti-Gangs Squad from the mainland.
Today, police said the group's visit was "largely incident free", but said Bandidos members were charged with a number of offences including two counts of driving while disqualified, four speeding charges and eight counts of positive drug tests.
Police noted there were two crashes, with one rider colliding with a parked car, leading to a negligent driving charge.
In the other incident, a Bandido ran his motorcycle into the back of another, damaging both bikes at Burnie's waterfront precinct.
"One rider was treated for potentially serious injuries after he hit a parked car," police said.
"The female driver of the car was not hurt however the east bound lane of the Bass Highway closed for almost an hour."
Police Commander Jonathan Higgins said he was concerned the gang was on the lookout to establish a foothold in Tasmania.
"Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) are organised criminal gangs and their presence in our state contributes to drug related crime," he said.
"These groups are not welcome here."
Commander Higgins had earlier raised concerns that the group may try to recruit new members.
The charges announced today include:
- Positive oral fluid test (drugs): 8
- Disqualified driving (motorcycle): 2
- Fail to give way: 1
- Exceed speed limit: 4
- Cross double white lines: 3
- Fail to display registration plate: 1
- Disobey traffic signal (red light): 2
- PIN for defect: 2
- Defect notices: 11
- Negligent driving: 2
- Noise issues: 8
A spokesperson for the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission said the Bandidos were not "harmless motorcycle clubs".
"They are well-organised criminal gangs causing harm and disruption across our country."
The ACIC spokesperson said the so-called "1 per centers" operate "outside the law and have an active presence in all Australian states and territories".
"All OMCGs are on notice. Agencies will use their full arsenal of capabilities for the purpose of exploiting every opportunity to proactively target the highest risk OMCGs in each Australian jurisdiction, and detect their criminal activity," the spokesperson said.
In Tasmania 'for the fish and chips'
Grey Norman, who said he was a spokesperson for the gang, said the Bandidos were "smitten" by the state.
"The community need not be concerned by us," he said.
"We're here to inject money into the community."
"We probably spend $60,000 a day here on the tourist industry, we're here largely because of the fish and chips."
Some Burnie residents said the bikies had been good for the local economy.
However, most who spoke to the ABC said they group were not welcome.
The Bandidos run followed a similar visit by the Rebels in October.
