Free rein for Finks on party strip

Robyn Wuth

November 7th, 2008

THE Finks outlaw bikie gang will have a free ride into the Surfers Paradise party precinct this weekend, with Gold Coast police warned not to intercept gang members without a senior officer's approval.

More than 120 members of the Finks will descend on the tourism strip this weekend as part of the club's annual national run.

It is the third national run by outlaw gangs through the city in as many months and senior police admit they are powerless to keep the gangs out.

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Yesterday, the Gold Coast Finks chapter set off from the Oxenford Tavern and were believed to be bound for Goondiwindi to form a welcoming committee for the southern chapters as they cross the border.

Once the various clubs meet up, they are then expected to ride in formation back to the Coast some time tomorrow.

Police sources said as many as 200 members and associates could descend on the city after stopping to party at an isolated Hinterland property.

The Finks' visit to the glitter strip is seen as a bold move to bury a string of negative incidents that have plagued the club and its members this year.

Several Finks members and club associates have been accused of a series of violent assaults in the precinct.

In January, three Finks bikies allegedly went on a random 30-minute rampage at Broadbeach which ended with five people being taken to hospital.

Several other club members are yet to face court over a number of other assaults.

The visit is also being seen as an attempt by the Finks to stamp their authority over the strip, sending a message to other gangs.

The Coast's clubs have maintained a tenuous peace since the rivalry between the Finks and the Hells Angels erupted in the so-called Ballroom Blitz at the Royal Pines Resort in March, 2006.

The national run will be shadowed by members of Task Force Hydra, but local police have been banned from carrying out unapproved intercepts. They are outraged by the move and by what they say is the region's soft approach to bikie gangs.

A memo sent to Gold Coast police this week states:

"All officers are reminded to exercise due caution and officer safety when dealing with OMCG (outlaw motorcycle gang) members/associates. Any mass interceptions must be approved by the DDO (district duty officer) prior to actioning."

Angry officers said they were already struggling to police the party precinct and fear they will be unable to contain the bikies if violence erupts. They point to the recent bikie activity in the city as proof that the region's tactics with the gangs do not work.

The Finks' event is the third major club run through the region in three months following visits by the Rebels and the Nomads.

This weekend, the Odin's Warriors have also planned their tattoo show at the Kirra Hotel.

"Isn't that enough to send a message?" said one angry officer.

"Three national runs through the city and all senior police are doing is sitting on their hands. The longer we ignore it, the worse the bikie problem is going to get."

Gold Coast District Superintendent Jim Keogh said the issue with intercepting the bikie gangs was a matter of public and officer safety.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/11/07/21185_gold-coast-top-story.html