By Melissa Cunningham – The Age
A massive police operation is under way as more than 100 bikies from the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang descend on Melbourne ahead of a national event this weekend.
Dramatic aerial images shows scores of leather clad bikie members roaring into the city’s west on Friday, only to be met police who have set up an elaborate checkpoint a few kilometres away in Sunshine.
Victoria Police said they are prepared to “act swiftly if required” and are warning residents in Sunshine and St Kilda to prepare for increased motorcycle traffic this weekend.
Some members of the Rebels national outlaw motorcycle gang have travelled from as far as Western Australia for the weekend event.
A number of roads have already been blocked off in Sunshine West where the members rode through earlier Friday afternoon, while hundreds of police in hi-vis vests lined streets.
Public Order Response units also converged in the Sunshine industrial estate to conduct checks on riders.
“The run will be closely monitored today to ensure public safety,” Acting Commander David Clayton said.
“I want to reassure the community police will take immediate action to detect and disrupt any OMCG members who breach road safety laws, commit crimes or public order offences.
Acting Commander Clayton said he wanted to make it clear police were not providing an escort or supporting participation in the ride.
“Anyone involved in outlaw motorcycle gang activity and involved in organised crime should be aware they will have our attention,” he said.
Police will also be conducting breath and drug tests, checking licences and registrations and carrying out roadworthy tests, while sniffer dogs will also be brought in.
