Top End on bikie gang red alert

One of Australia's most notorious bikie gangs is on its way to the Territory.

More than 100 members of the Coffin Cheaters are expected to converge on Darwin tomorrow.

It will be the second time in two years that the West Australian gang has chosen the Top End for its annual recreational "run".

Police and pub owners are on red alert for the arrival of the bikies.

The bikies will not be allowed to wear their "colours" on licensed premises.

Superintendent Wayne Harris said the Coffin Cheaters would be monitored closely while they were in the Territory. "We requested hoteliers ensure club members do not wear club colours while on licensed premises to break down that pack mentality," he said.

"It can be pretty intimidating if 100 bikies walk into the bar in their colours and we want to try and avoid any intimidation issues."

The Coffin Cheaters will be escorted out of the Northern Territory when they leave next week. Police will ride with them until they reach the Queensland border.

"We'll be allowing them room to enjoy themselves and as long as they behave they won't be seeing a great deal of us," Supt Harris said.

"If they do play up, we will be vigilant and act accordingly."

Australian Hoteliers Association NT executive director Sally Fielke said licensees and police had been working together on a strategy in the best interests of everyone.

"We've taken a joint approach to help make it a safe few days," she said.

"We want it to be an enjoyable time for everyone -- including the bikies."

Supt Harris said police were not anticipating any clashes between the Coffin Cheaters and members of the Hell's Angels, the only established bikie gang in the Top End.

The Coffin Cheaters were last in the Territory two years ago when they ended their annual recreational run in Darwin.

The bikies were tailed by a 70-strong police contingent and there were no reports of trouble along the way.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Tue, 12 July 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Author: Greg McLean
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283