POLICE raided houses across the Mornington Peninsula last week as part of an investigation into the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Victoria Police allege that motorbikes were ridden on the footpath on Southbank Promenade last month – it said in a statement that at around 8pm on 9 August “a large contingent of riders, wearing Finks OMCG vests and insignia, entered the Southbank Promenade, riding between permanent steel bollards and onto the shared footpath area. The group rode in formation for approximately 350 metres along the promenade, between pedestrians, street vendors and buskers. There was a high level of pedestrian traffic at the time, including families and children, all of whom were required to move out of the way of the group.” The group allegedly parked for around 10 minutes, then returned to their bikes and rode another 150 metres. They entered the Queens Street Bridge and then left the area, police say.
On 4 September police raided houses in Safety Beach, Mount Martha, Rosebud, Keysborough, Clyde North, Dallas, Wy Yung, Springvale, and Harkness and two clubhouses in Cranbourne West and Brunswick East as part of their investigation. Seven men were arrested and charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and drive/ride on path.
Among those arrested were a 32-year-old Safety Beach man who police allege is an officer bearer, a 34-year-old Mount Martha man police allege is a national president, a 41-year-old Rosebud man, and a 33-year-old Keysborough man. The Rosebud man was also charged with possess cannabis. All seven men were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 November.
Police seized seven Harley Davidson motorcycles, cannabis, and Finks OMCG vests during the 4 September raids.
Victoria Police Echo Taskforce detective acting inspector Ash Ryan said the alleged incident is “completely unacceptable behaviour by an outlaw motorcycle gang – thinking they are above the law and putting innocent members of our community at risk during probably the busiest time of week to be along Southbank.”
“It is seriously reckless conduct and a significant concern for Victoria Police and the Echo Taskforce. We have made it a priority to follow up every avenue of enquiry available to us and hold those responsible to account,” Ryan said. “We are not intimidated by outlaw motorcycle gangs, and we will not allow our community to be either.”
Victoria Police have asked anyone with information about OMCG activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 11 September 2024