News
7 August, 2024
Police crush vikings
Police who descended on a charity fundraising event at a Moreton Bay pub thwarted attempts to raise more money for a local volunteer fire brigade, organisers claim.
The third annual Viking Breed Tattoo and Bike Show fundraiser at the Dag Pub on July 13 was “interrupted” by police who made their presence known by handing out infringement notices to a number of bikers.
The event raised $15,000, some $6,000 short of the previous year’s efforts.
A spokesperson for the Viking Breed Social Motorcycle Club (VBSMC) said it was disappointing that police were present. “This year we were hassled by our friends at Queensland Police, which put a damper on the day,” the spokesperson said.
“The public shied away and that was reflective in our funds.”
They said that it was “poor form” and “I think there’s bigger fish to fry at the end of the day”.
“It wasn’t obviously about road safety because they just targeted our event and were just handing out infringements for guys that had their handlebars too high.”
Queensland Police spokesperson said they attended the event because it was an important deterrent for outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG).
“Officers from Crime and Intelligence Command’s Organised Crime Gangs Group (OCGG) undertook proactive activities at an event The Dag Pub, D’Aguilar on July 13 following intelligence about attendance by people associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs),” the spokesperson said.
“OMCGs remain a threat to the safety of communities throughout Queensland and members and associates are the subject of ongoing disruption and investigative strategies by police.”
The spokesperson added that the “highly visible police presence was an important deterrent measure impacting OMCG attendance at the event.”
“These strategies effectively supressed any anti-social or criminal behaviour, and the event occurred without incident, and with minimal impact on the wider community and event participants,” they said.
Last year the fundraiser event managed to raise over $21,000, but this year only made $15,000 for the Bellthorpe Rural Fire Brigade. Despite the disappointing tally, organisers said they would continue raising funds for not-for-profits next year.
“It’s a community spirit event so it’s getting everyone involved around the area just come together have a look at some great bikes and tattoos,” the VBSMC spokesperson said.
“We’re looking to improve each year but at the end of the day any dollar raised is a dollar more than what those guys had the day before.”
